OKLAHOMA CITY — — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 factors, and the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Los Angeles Lakers 139-96 on Thursday night time.
Only six instances of their storied historical past have the Lakers been defeated by extra factors. They fell six factors wanting their worst margin of defeat ever — a 49-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks in 2017.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning league MVP, bought one of the best of his matchup with Los Angeles’ Luka Doncic — the league’s scoring chief and one in all Gilgeous-Alexander’s prime opponents for this season’s award. Doncic had scored at the very least 40 factors in 5 of his earlier seven video games, however he completed with 12 towards the Thunder’s suffocating protection.
Isaiah Joe added 20 factors and made six 3-pointers as Oklahoma City shot 53.9% to show a matchup between two of the league’s hottest groups right into a blowout. The Thunder have now gained 16 of 17. The Lakers had gained 4 straight and 13 of 14.
Austin Reaves scored 15 factors and LeBron James added 13 for the Lakers.
It was a important recreation for Oklahoma City. The Thunder entered the night time two video games forward of San Antonio within the race for homecourt benefit all through the playoffs with six video games remaining.
In an indication of issues to return within the recreation, it took the Lakers practically 5 minutes to make their first area objective. The Thunder led 44-21 on the finish of the primary behind 14 factors from Lu Dort.
The Lakers had one other capturing drought to begin the second quarter, taking a little bit greater than 4 minutes to make their area objective. The Thunder reached their season excessive level whole for a primary half after they took a 76-41 lead on a layup by Gilgeous-Alexander with 3:25 left within the second quarter.
Oklahoma City led 82-51 on the break, falling some extent wanting the Thunder regular-season report for factors in a half. They scored 83 within the first half of a recreation towards Minnesota in 2021.
Joe hit three 3-pointers in an 85-second flurry to place the Thunder up 99-61 within the third quarter. The groups performed reserves all through the fourth quarter.
The Lakers will host a rematch on April 7.
Lakers: Visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Thunder: Host the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
