Thunder Beat Lakers 119-110 Without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder Win Without Their Star

The Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated their championship caliber on Monday night by defeating the Lakers 119-110, even without their standout player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The defending champions showcased their remarkable depth against Los Angeles.

Caruso Catches Fire

Alex Caruso played with incredible energy for Oklahoma City, resembling a superhero on the court. He made shot after shot, achieving an impressive 87.5% accuracy from the field. In just 24 minutes, Caruso finished with 17 points. Every time he leaped for a jumper, the ball seemed destined to find the net. His rapid hands on defense forced the Lakers to work hard for every basket.

Isaiah Joe also had a significant impact, scoring 19 points and sinking shots from long range. With their star guard sidelined, Joe demonstrated why the Thunder possess such a diverse array of offensive options.

Holmgren Controls the Paint

Chet Holmgren towered in the paint like a towering redwood tree. The seven-footer secured 10 rebounds and blocked two shots, while also contributing 13 points with a shooting rate of 50%. His long arms altered shots consistently throughout the game.

Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 23 points. Cason Wallace managed the offense effectively, providing six assists and adding 12 points to the team's total.

LeBron Battles Hard

LeBron James exerted every effort possible for Los Angeles. The legendary player posted 22 points and recorded 10 assists, successfully making over half of his attempts, which kept the Lakers competitive. Observing LeBron pass the ball is akin to watching a master artist at work.

Marcus Smart added 19 points for the Lakers, while Austin Reaves contributed 16 points and seven assists. Rui Hachimura scored 12 points efficiently, rounding out the efforts of the team.

Champions Stay Strong

With this victory, the Thunder improved their record to 41-13, maintaining their position as the top team in the Western Conference. They triumphed on the road without their MVP candidate, solidifying their status as the team to beat this season. Meanwhile, the Lakers fell to 32-20 as they continue their search for solutions.