The Lakers vs. Thunder matchup on Wednesday night lived up to the hype, as Anthony Davis powered Los Angeles to a strong 115–107 win in Oklahoma City. In a game packed with lead swings, big runs, and star moments, the Lakers closed out with veteran poise to grab a key early-season victory.
The night opened with pace and intensity, as both teams traded early baskets. According to CBS Sports, the Lakers pushed the ball through LeBron James, who repeatedly attacked the lane and created open looks for teammates. Los Angeles shot over 50% in the first quarter, forcing OKC to tighten their interior defense.
Anthony Davis quickly became the focal point. ESPN reported that Davis not only scored efficiently at the rim but also controlled the boards, limiting the Thunder’s second-chance opportunities. His midrange jumper and rim protection set the tone for the entire night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander kept OKC competitive through three quarters. As NBA.com highlighted in its live updates, SGA hit tough contested jumpers, drew fouls, and kept the Thunder offense flowing even when the Lakers switched defenders on him. His ability to get to his spots kept the Thunder within reach entering the fourth.
But the game shifted with a massive Lakers push. According to CBS Sports, Los Angeles opened the fourth quarter on a decisive 12–2 run powered by defensive stops, an attacking LeBron, and timely shooting from the bench. The Thunder struggled with turnovers during this stretch—a major storyline noted by both ESPN and NBA.com.
Down the stretch, Davis energized the Lakers bench with back-to-back blocks and a huge put-back dunk. The Thunder attempted a late rally, but their missed threes and offensive stagnation kept them from closing the gap.
Key Stats & Performances
- Anthony Davis: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks—dominant on both ends.
- LeBron James: 25 points, 9 assists—controlled tempo and made key plays late.
- Austin Reaves: Hit two crucial 3-pointers during the fourth-quarter run.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 29 points—kept OKC competitive but struggled with spacing late.
- Thunder Bench: Outscored by the Lakers’ second unit in the second half, according to NBA.com.
ESPN noted that the Lakers’ defense late in the game was their best quarter of the season, allowing fewer than 20 points and forcing several tough OKC possessions.
The Lakers return home for a high-pressure matchup against the defending Western Conference finalists. Head coach Darvin Ham emphasized postgame (via ESPN) that consistency is now the focus.
The Thunder will regroup before hosting their next game, aiming to clean up turnovers and improve late-game execution—an issue highlighted by head coach Mark Daigneault in postgame quotes collected by NBA.com.
