Oklahoma City held off an unlikely late comeback attempt from Los Angeles Lakers in an intense Lakers vs Thunder matchup to win 101-93 and improve to 2-1 in group stage play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder in scoring with 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists; his playmaking and defense were integral components to their victory over Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura and Isaiah Hartenstein on the Lakers side of things.
LeBron James
LeBron James once again demonstrated how age is no barrier, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to victory against Oklahoma City Thunder with an offensive masterclass. James notched 40 points during their 129-120 win while also adding seven rebounds and seven assists for good measure.
The Lakers had six players score double figures during their victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 35 points, followed by D’Angelo Russell (19) and Kobe Bryant (12). They shot 45.2 percent from the field and held opponents to an NBA-low 29.5 percent shooting from three-point range.
James has won four NBA championships and been recognized as an All-Star 20 times, becoming the first player ever to receive unanimous All-NBA selection and winning five NBA Finals MVP awards – an unprecedented accomplishment! Additionally, he was named to an All-Defensive Team six times and was given two All-Star Game MVP awards from NBA All-Star Game MVP awards.
After an uninspiring start to their season, the Lakers have adjusted and are beginning to look like serious contenders in the Western Conference. Led by veteran coaches and boasting young talent that could have an impactful season ahead.
Even after their recent struggles, the Lakers remain fifth in the league and still have a chance at making a deep run in the playoffs. Working as one team will help overcome any difficult hurdles they encounter on their path towards glory.
LeBron James has an outstanding track record against Oklahoma City Thunder, holding an overall career record of 57-35 and having won both games this season against them. Additionally, he won an entire series against them earlier in his career.
The Lakers entered tonight’s game as a 1.5-point favorite, though that line has fluctuated slightly since opening. SportsLine’s advanced computer model predicts they should cover the spread in tonight’s contest.
Los Angeles could extend their winning streak to eight games and improve to 17-4 on the road with a victory, while any setback would spell disaster for Los Angeles.
D’Lonzo Ball
Ball remains intriguing, and remains fully capable of positively contributing to an NBA team. Unfortunately, his injuries have plagued him throughout his young career – to the extent of missing over 1100 days this season! Recently appearing on Unapologetically Angel Podcast where he admitted wishing some aspects of his game were different before making their NBA debut.
The Lakers currently rank fifth in the Western Conference standings, following an exciting win against San Antonio Spurs (119-101) this past Thursday night. Their home record stands at 11 wins against 7 losses so far this season.
Ball’s performance marked his return from an injured right ankle, scoring 10 points while dishing out six assists, plus rebounding, blocking, and stealing in just 16 minutes of action. This performance boded well for both himself and the Bulls.
Ball was considered a promising young point guard with high-end talent when he first arrived in Chicago, yet injuries limited his effectiveness during one healthy season and thus prevented the Bulls from realizing his full potential. Now the team needs him to provide some stability alongside rookie Alex Caruso and veteran DeMar DeRozan in its backcourt.
Ball has not only excelled on the court but he has been an impressive leader within his community as well. He has hosted various charity events for children as well as worked closely with Special Olympics. Additionally, he serves as a mentor to younger players around Chicago.
Oklahoma City Thunder are currently unbeaten on their four-game road trip and face an arduous test against Los Angeles Lakers. A loss would see Oklahoma City eliminated from playoff contention; therefore it’s imperative that they secure a win to keep their slim hopes alive. With two of the league’s premier teams facing each other off, this game promises to be highly entertaining – make this site your Stathead and take part ad-free!
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Young guard is one of the most captivating players in the NBA. His fluid and graceful gameplay makes him an exceptional point guard; currently averaging 31.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals this season he poses a serious threat for Lakers’ defenses.
Gilgeous-Alexander has proven his shooting ability this year by making over 40% of his three point attempts. A talented player with considerable potential, he should continue to grow as an NBA point guard – something many teams could use help on. A solid second round pick whose potential could make an impressionful contribution for Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander helped lead Canada’s U18 National team to victory at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, where he was the event’s top scorer and multi-position player – with a smooth shooting stroke and quick release speed he is an invaluable member of their roster this year – becoming an MVP candidate on DraftKings for 2018. Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the key contributors for Oklahoma Thunder this season; currently second favorite at +250 on DraftKings to become MVP this year.
SGA has been an incredible force this season for the Thunder, and his strong performance against the Lakers helped them secure a fourth consecutive win. He scored 36 points during their winning streak while also providing valuable defensive contributions that kept the Lakers off of three-point range.
The Thunder were able to dominate the paint against the Lakers and outrebound them by an overwhelming margin. Their defense was very impressive as well, giving up only seven points against Lakers turnovers while scoring on those as well as getting into transition more often than expected. Now 4-1, their road record stands strong.
Oklahoma City Thunder dominated Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at Paycom Center, winning 101-93 with 36 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander including 15 in the fourth quarter. Jalen Williams added 19 off the bench as Oklahoma City won four out of their previous five matches.
Luol Deng
The Lakers are looking to claw their way back into playoff contention, but a loss to Oklahoma City will be difficult. A victory would keep their hopes alive while also hoping that both Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets fall. With playing their best basketball against Thunder, the Lakers stand a good chance of victory; but in order to be successful they must all work as one team.
Luol Deng has played for numerous NBA teams during his 14-year NBA career and is known as a versatile two-way player who excels at scoring and rebounding. Additionally, his defensive prowess earned him inclusion on the 2011-12 All-Defensive team. Now free agent, Deng hopes to find his ideal fit soon.
He is an incredible leader for his team and sets an excellent example on the court. Off the court, his talents can also be seen through many charitable acts and trips back home in South Sudan to provide aid. A true role model for young players there and an excellent ambassador of the NBA.
Last season, the Lakers defeated Oklahoma City twice at home, including an emphatic 113-96 win in their last meeting. Since then, however, both teams have made improvements on defense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains an exciting young talent on Lakers team roster who can help the team win games.
The Thunder have yet to beat the Lakers this season in Los Angeles or Oklahoma City; they lost last week. Nonetheless, their current level is far superior than it was a year ago; thus giving them a fighting chance against Los Angeles. Their younger players will need help scoring without Paul George while improving defensively will also help.
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