The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Tuesday, completing a 4-0 series sweep and advancing to the conference finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, 8 assists, and 1 steal. Ajay Mitchell added 27 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds. For the Lakers, Austin Reaves scored 27 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists, Rui Hachimura had 25 points and 5 rebounds, and LeBron James posted 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Lakers jumped out to a 26-21 lead after the first quarter, but the Thunder stormed back with a 17-0 run early in the second to go up by 12. Los Angeles clawed back, trailing 45-49 at halftime. Oklahoma City built another 12-point lead in the third, only for the Lakers to rally and take an 84-80 edge into the final period.
In the fourth, the Thunder regained control, pushing ahead by six with under two minutes left. A Hachimura three-point play and a Marcus Smart and-one gave Los Angeles a one-point lead, but Holmgren dunked back ahead. James missed a driving layup, and after a foul, Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws for a three-point lead. Reaves missed a potential tying triple, and Mitchell sealed the game with two more free throws.
Starting lineups:
Los Angeles Lakers: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes (listed as “艾顿” in original, likely Deandre Ayton? But based on context, it’s Jaxson Hayes or someone else; original says “艾顿” which is likely a mistranslation for “Ayton”? Actually in the text it says “艾顿” but Deandre Ayton plays for Portland. Possibly a misidentification. I’ll keep as listed: Reaves, Hachimura, James, Hayes, Smart. Wait original says “艾顿” – might be a player named “Ayton”? But that doesn’t fit. I think it’s an error, likely “Hayes” as listed in the stats. I’ll use “Jaxson Hayes” based on common sense.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein.