The Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff run has come to an end after a 115-110 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder completed a series sweep in Game 4, remaining undefeated in the playoffs.
Thunder Too Strong Down the Stretch
Oklahoma City withstood a late surge from Los Angeles to seal the victory. The Thunder made timely shots in the closing stages of the game to complete the series sweep. They head into the NBA’s conference finals as the only unbeaten team.
The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell in the backcourt, with support from Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein in the frontcourt. Jared McCain and Alex Caruso provided valuable contributions off the bench. Holmgren’s dunk with 33 seconds remaining put the Thunder ahead 111-110. Gilgeous-Alexander then made two free throws with 12.2 seconds left, extending the lead to 113-110.
Austin Reaves missed a 3-pointer, and Mitchell secured the win with two free throws.
Mitchell’s Breakout Performance
Ajay Mitchell’s outstanding playoff performance continued with a playoff career-high of 28 points. He shot 12-for-19 from the field and added four assists, four steals, and three rebounds. This followed his 24-point, 10-assist effort in Game 3.
Mitchell’s performance has helped the Thunder overcome the absence of Jalen Williams, who hasn’t played since Game 2 of the first round. Mitchell excelled in transition and with his midrange game, averaging 22.5 points on 56.3% shooting against the Lakers.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, including 12 free throws, and had eight assists. McCain scored 13 points, and Caruso added nine points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Lakers’ Efforts Fall Short
The Lakers showed improvement in Game 4, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder. Los Angeles neutralised Oklahoma City’s depth and limited Holmgren until late in the game. They played a much better second half, outscoring the Thunder in the third quarter for the first time in the series. However, turnovers remained a problem, as the Thunder converted 19 Lakers turnovers into 22 points.
LeBron James posted 24 points and 12 rebounds. Austin Reaves bounced back from his Game 3 struggles with 27 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, though he also had eight turnovers. Rui Hachimura was a bright spot, scoring 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting and shooting 55.2% on 3s in the series. Jaxson Hayes contributed 18 points.
The Thunder will now face the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves-San Antonio Spurs series in the Western Conference final.
“We did not expect them to give us an unearned win,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.