Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance, scoring 36 points, including 15 in the decisive fourth quarter, to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder (15-4) to a 101-93 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers (11-8) in Friday night’s NBA Cup game.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game heroics included a crucial 3-pointer with 1:35 remaining, extending Oklahoma City’s lead to 95-91 after the Lakers had cut the deficit to one.
Jalen Williams contributed 19 points, and Isaiah Hartenstein added a double-double with 11 points and 18 rebounds, tying a season-high with 15 offensive boards for the team.
The Lakers, who entered the game as defending NBA Cup champions, were eliminated from advancing to the quarterfinals. Dalton Knecht led Los Angeles with 20 points, hitting five 3-pointers, while D’Angelo Russell scored 17 points off the bench. Anthony Davis had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, and LeBron James added 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Despite trailing for most of the game, the Lakers rallied late and were within four points with 22.4 seconds remaining. However, Austin Reaves committed a critical turnover, which led to a steal and an easy dunk by Williams, sealing the Thunder’s victory.
The Thunder’s defensive pressure was instrumental, forcing 17 Lakers turnovers, four of which came in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City also matched their season-high with 15 offensive rebounds, creating multiple second-chance opportunities.
Dalton Knecht’s shooting gave Los Angeles some momentum early, but their lack of consistency from beyond the arc, shooting just 28.9% (11-of-38), hurt their chances. In contrast, the Thunder hit 13 of their 40 attempts from deep, with Luguentz Dort contributing four triples in his 14-point outing.
Los Angeles struggled to protect the ball throughout the game, with turnovers leading to 21 points for Oklahoma City. Additionally, the Thunder capitalized on offensive rebounds, converting key second-chance points to maintain their edge.
The win places the Thunder in a three-way tie with Phoenix and San Antonio at 2-1 in Group B, while the Lakers drop to 2-2. The final group games on Tuesday will determine whether Oklahoma City advances to the NBA Cup knockout stage.
