Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points and added eight assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers 123-87 on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Isaiah Joe buried six 3-pointers, while Chet Holmgren contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Jared McCain added 15 as the Thunder extended their winning streak to six games and swept the season series against the Lakers.
The Lakers were without Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes, players who combine for nearly 95 points per game. Los Angeles managed just 87 points, its lowest output of the season, and trailed significantly after a 23-5 Oklahoma City run spanning the second quarter.
Rui Hachimura led the Lakers with 15 points, and Drew Timme scored 11, while rookie Adou Thiero added a career-high 10. Despite keeping the game close early, the Pacific Division champions could not recover once the Thunder’s offense surged.
The matchup also saw tension on the Lakers’ sideline when coach JJ Redick removed Jarred Vanderbilt 16 seconds into the second quarter after a heated exchange, and Vanderbilt did not return to the game.
Oklahoma City shot 51% from the field and 51% from three, with 12 made free throws on 14 attempts. The Thunder dominated the boards 46-38 and dished out 29 assists, reflecting their ball movement and depth advantage over the depleted hosts.
The loss leaves the Lakers at 50-28, trailing in the Western Conference, while the Thunder, now 62-16, remain atop the standings and have won 18 of 19 games. Oklahoma City will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, while the Lakers visit Golden State on Thursday.
