The Oklahoma City Thunder sent a statement in the Western Conference semifinals, dispatching the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90 on Tuesday night at Paycom Center to claim the series opener.
Chet Holmgren was the star of the show, recording 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Thunder controlled the action from start to finish. Oklahoma City held the upper hand for 79 percent of the game, at one point opening up a commanding 21-point lead.
The hosts shot the ball efficiently all night, connecting on 49 percent of their field goal attempts and 43 percent from beyond the arc. Their defense proved equally suffocating, forcing the Lakers into 18 turnovers while holding Los Angeles to just 41 percent shooting and 33 percent from three.
LeBron James carried the offensive load for LA, pouring in 27 points on an efficient 12-of-17 performance, but the Lakers’ supporting cast couldn’t get enough going. DeAndre Ayton chipped in 12 rebounds, though LA’s second-half collapse proved too much to overcome.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander complemented Holmgren’s dominance, while the team’s overall discipline showed in limiting their own turnovers to 16.
The series heads back to Oklahoma City for Game 2, where the Thunder’s impressive 34-7 home record suggests the Lakers face an uphill battle.
