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10h ago

Thunder Throttle Lakers 108-90 to Open West Semifinal With 1-0 Lead

Oklahoma City’s depth kept its title defense on track despite an off night from MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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May 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Overview

  • OKC beat Los Angeles 108-90 on Tuesday in Oklahoma City to take a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
  • Chet Holmgren powered the win with 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, helping choke off Lakers drives to the rim.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 18 points and seven turnovers, yet the defending champs stayed unbeaten at 5-0 and are winning by about 17 points per game this postseason.
  • LeBron James led L.A. with 27 points and six assists, but Austin Reaves struggled at 3-for-16 as he continues to work back from a Grade 2 oblique strain.
  • Coaches emphasized cleanup on execution and the glass, with Game 2 set for Thursday as the Lakers seek answers against OKC’s rolling bench and balance.