OKC THUNDER PUSH LAKERS TO BRINK OF ELIMINATION WITH GAME 3 ROUT.

The Oklahoma City Thunder moved within one win of the Western Conference finals
after a dominant 131-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

Ajay Mitchell starred with 24 points and 10 assists without a turnover, while Shai
Gilgeous-Alexander added 23 points as the Thunder took a commanding 3-0 lead in
the series.

The Lakers, still without injured star Luka Doncic, stayed competitive in the first half
before Oklahoma City produced another explosive third-quarter surge to take control.

“I’m not giving up on this series,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “We’re going to try to
win on Monday.”

LeBron James finished with 19 points, while Rui Hachimura led Los Angeles with 21,
but the Thunder’s depth again proved decisive.

“It might be a shock to the world, but this is no shock to us,” Gilgeous-Alexander said
of Mitchell’s display.

Oklahoma City can now complete the sweep in Game 4 on Monday in Los Angeles.