With the NBA playoffs approaching, LA Lakers make a robust assertion by demolishing Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the crew with league’s greatest report.
Luka Doncic scored 30 factors because the Los Angeles Lakers produced a devastating show of long-range taking pictures to attain a stunning 126-99 blowout over the No.1 ranked Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
A heavyweight showdown between the Western Convention leaders and the third-placed Lakers was successfully settled within the first half, as Los Angeles rattled in 15 three-pointers – a franchise report – to open up a 78-56 lead on the finish of the second quarter.
The Lakers by no means regarded like surrendering that hefty double-digit cushion as they closed out a snug win to silence the Oklahoma Metropolis residence crowd.
The win noticed the Lakers edge nearer to securing one of many 4 remaining automated playoff spots within the West after already-qualified Oklahoma Metropolis and Houston.
The Lakers poured in 22 three-pointers throughout the sport, with Doncic chargeable for 5 of them. Austin Reaves had 4 three-pointers in his 20-point haul, whereas LeBron James added 19 factors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma Metropolis scoring with 26 factors on an off-night for the Thunder, who shot simply 43 % from the sector whereas making solely 12-of-37 three-pointers.
James mentioned the Lakers had been decided to not let up after making a quick begin towards the Western Convention leaders.
“Between them and Cleveland, they’re one of the best groups within the NBA,” James mentioned. “They’re the primary crew within the West so you’ll be able to’t let up it doesn’t matter what the rating is — they’re at all times going to make a push. That’s why they’re the place they’re at this a part of the season.
“So it’s a extremely good win for us and we will construct off it… we’re simply attempting to construct our habits proper now, going into the ultimate stretch of the yr.”
Reaves believes the outcome augured properly for the ultimate week of the common season, which reaches its conclusion on April 13.
Six groups are battling for 4 playoff spots within the West, from the third-placed Lakers (48-30) all the way down to the eighth-placed Memphis Grizzlies (46-32).
“It’s enormous,” Reaves mentioned. “The best way the standings are, you’ll be able to go from third to eighth within the snap of a finger. So for us to return in and play such a very good crew the way in which we did tonight is large. Hopefully we will construct on that momentum.”
The groups will meet once more on Tuesday in Oklahoma Metropolis.
The Thunder scored fewer than 100 factors for the primary time since November 15.
