LeBron James scored 25 points, Anthony Davis finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-105 yesterday to end their four-game winning run.
The Lakers defeated the formidable Thunder in the fourth quarter behind 14 points and seven assists from D’Angelo Russell. It was just LA’s sixth win in 18 games, two of which came against Oklahoma City.
“We have pretty good games when we have high-assist games and guys are feeling in a rhythm,” James said. “We need to make an effort to consider this and apply that more consistently.”
Playing despite a right knee strain, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 16 of his 24 points in the first half for Oklahoma City, which had its lowest offensive output in 19 games since December 6. Two of the Thunder’s four defeats in their previous 16 games may be attributed to the Lakers.
The Thunder, who began a crucial four-game run against some of the best teams in the West, were led by Jalen Williams’ 25 points, but Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey both struggled offensively, scoring a total 17 points for the Thunder. In addition, Oklahoma City’s road trip opponents include the Clippers and the Timberwolves, who lead the conference.
The coach of the Thunder, Mark Daigneault, said, “I thought (the Lakers) had a good plan.” “They executed and planned the game incredibly well. They were worthy winners. Our ball-shy shooting was lacking. We struggled to establish a strong attacking rhythm. Although that wasn’t our greatest performance, there were definitely lessons to be learned from it. Part of that was them, and part of it was us.
After missing his fourth game of the season due to injury, James made a comeback and scored 17 points in the second half. With 8:53 remaining, he made a driving layup that gave Los Angeles their first double-digit lead of the game, 93-82.
With 2:05 remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander’s dunk brought the Thunder within six points, but with 50 seconds remaining, James drove the lane and passed to Davis for a two-handed slam that all but secured the win.
Davis said, “That’s five years of playing together.”
“LeBron is an excellent passer. It’s simply that me and him click. We just invested a great deal of time, energy, blood, and sweat into the game to make that connection.
The Lakers won’t have to travel outside of Los Angeles for the next two weeks, and forward-thinking player Anthony Davis said last weekend that the team’s chances of making the playoffs depend heavily on this six-game run.
Since winning the first In-Season Tournament in early December, they have struggled, unable to overcome a slew of injuries or provide reliable tertiary scoring behind James and Davis.
In order to make that drive, Davis said, “I think it starts with us defensively.”
“We’re a better team when we play defensively, and we usually win those games when we play well defensively.”
With Cam Reddish out due to knee swelling, the Lakers returned to their starting backcourt of Russell and 15-point scorer Austin Reaves.
Holmgren said, “The Lakers have size all around as well as athleticism.” “You have to hit back when they hit you because they will hit you hard.” Otherwise, if you let them, they will just attempt to intimidate you.
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