NBA PLAYOFFS: OKC THUNDER DOMINATE LAKERS TO TAKE GAME 1.

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their Western Conference semi-final with a
commanding 108-90 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to take a 1-0 series lead.

Chet Holmgren led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-
Alexander and Ajay Mitchell added 18 points each as the defending champions
pulled clear after the first quarter.

“We were a little choppy, a little rusty, but we stuck with it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

“We just try to make people play outside their comfort zone.”

The Thunder’s defensive intensity proved decisive, holding the Lakers to their lowest
playoff score since 2021 and reinforcing their dominance after a 4-0 regular-season
sweep.

LeBron James scored 27 points for Los Angeles, but the visitors struggled to
respond, with Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury adding to their concerns ahead of Game 2.