The Thunder have the last word on the Lakers’ floor

After two losses in a row against the top teams of the West (Spurs and Rockets), the Thunder found a way to win against the Lakers (110-119), deprived Luka Dončić.

A narrow success marked by a good final from Jalen Williams (23 points), which was supported by six players with 10 or more points, including 19 units for Isaiah Joe. A similar distribution on the Lakers side, incl LeBron James finished as the best scorer and passer (22 points and 10 assists).

At the end of the first period, the Thunder led with three possessions ahead (58-67). Things got much more complicated for the guests in the following minutes. In a particularly stormy third quarter (or even the entire second period…), the home team caught up by channeling the opponent’s attack, while relying on LeBron James in the attack, especially in the post.

The Californians went on a 15-1 run and took a three-possession lead (85-77). The unblocking of the Thunder’s attack came from Jaylin Williams with two consecutive 3-point baskets. From the same distance, Alex Caruso, very comfortable on the floor in his debut, punishes at the end of the quarter and OKC led again (91-93), while Austin Reeves had difficulty finding quality shots.

A lot of awkwardness

The start of the fourth quarter was painful to watch with numerous fouls (an ugly “air ball” by LeBron James although perfectly open…), turnovers and whistles contested by the two coaches. ” Who wants to score, that’s the question? asked a local TV commentator.

On this down, with the score frozen for several minutes, the Thunder were able to find the paint thanks to Jalen Williams under the circle, then Chet Holmgren in the post with a size advantage. Williams hit again this time from mid-range, and then his internal namesake in turn punished him in the corner (101-109).

Rui Hachimura will answer him in the opposite corner, then Marcus Smart will show his aggressiveness in transition, LeBron James will then dunk with his left hand in front of Chet Holmgren.

The Cripto.com Arena then began to vibrate as it rarely does in the evening, seeing his team get back to within one possession (108-111) with one minute left. Just behind, Jalen Williams once again beat Austin Reaves to create his shot, then the wing center would finish the job at the free throw line.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Alex Caruso, whom the Lakers fondly remember. The Thunder replacement is less and less likely to break the 10-point mark this season. But he used his time on the floor in his debut to post his best performance of the year with 17 points (7/8 shooting including 3/4 from distance). With a +19 score when he was in the game. A nearly perfect matchup for him who has lacked skill this season (41% shooting including 30% from distance).

– The Lakers address does not take off. Los Angeles may have been creating good shots, but JJ Redick’s men were still sorely lacking in skill. With the exception of Marcus Smart (4/7), many missed the mark. So are the team leaders, James and Reaves (1/9 combined). Rookie Luke Kennard settled for 1/2 from behind the arc. In February, through four games, the Lakers recorded the 4th worst skill rate in the league (31%).

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.