The Los Angeles Lakers missed what could have been a golden opportunity for an away win. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul trouble, the Lakers were unable to capitalize on the chance. The Oklahoma City Thunder prevailed 125–107.
The OKC Thunder are more than just MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as was proven once again in Game 2. The Canadian sat on the bench for nearly the entire third quarter with four fouls, and with Jalen Williams still out, the team was missing another All-Star—yet the defending champions turned the game around in those ten minutes.
The Lakers led 66-61 just over two minutes into the third quarter when SGA picked up his fourth foul. The playmaker had delivered a light blow to Austin Reaves while battling for position and was even called for a flagrant foul. In fact, three of the four fouls were offensive. OKC protested vehemently but didn’t lose focus. On the contrary: The Thunder went on a 28-10 run because role players like Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain (18 points, 4-for-5 from three), and Jaylin Williams (7) delivered key plays, including a four-point play.
By the end of the quarter, the champions were leading by 13 points again; the Lakers needed LeBron James to get back on track. The veteran star made two jumpers and slowly regained control, after Austin Reaves—who had kept the Lakers in the game with a career-high 31 points in the playoffs—had been the main force earlier.
Thunder pull away in the final quarter
But things can move quickly against the Thunder, and that was the case this time as well. The defense forced two turnovers, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace each hit a three-pointer, and the old lead was quickly restored. Gilgeous-Alexander gave the Thunder their largest lead (+16) shortly thereafter, and in the final four minutes, the hosts didn’t let anything slip.
The Thunder’s best player this time was the outstanding Holmgren (22 points, 7-of-11 FG, 8 rebounds, 4 steals), while Gilgeous-Alexander (22 points, 7-of-13) and Mitchell (20 points) also broke the 20-point mark. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed ten points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in just under 27 minutes. For the Lakers, Reaves (31, 10/16 FG, 8/10 FT) and LeBron (23, 9/18, 6 assists) were the standout performers.
The Thunder now lead the series 2-0 and remain undefeated in this postseason. Game 3 will take place in Los Angeles, tipping off at 2:30 a.m. German time on Saturday night in the City of Angels.
