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OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder wasted no time making a statement in the Western Conference Semifinals, dismantling the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90 Tuesday night in basketball at Paycom Center to take a 1-0 series lead.
Read more: Thunder blast Lakers-Heavener.news
Chet Holmgren led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds, shooting an efficient 9-of-17 from the field including a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line. He also blocked three shots and controlled the paint all night, giving OKC a dominant presence on both ends of the floor.
Ajay Mitchell added 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting to go along with four assists, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also chipped in 18 points and six assists despite a rough night with seven turnovers.
Jared McCain provided a spark off the bench, hitting 4-of-5 three-pointers for 12 points, including two fast-break buckets that helped OKC build its lead. The Thunder bench outscored the Lakers’ reserves 34-15.
OKC shot 49.4 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from three, dominating the paint with 48 points inside. The Thunder also turned 18 Laker turnovers into 20 points.
LeBron James was the lone bright spot for Los Angeles, pouring in a game-high 27 points on a scorching 12-of-17 shooting, but he had little help. Austin Reaves shot just 3-of-16 for eight points, and the Lakers’ supporting cast couldn’t keep pace with OKC’s depth and efficiency.
The Thunder led wire-to-wire, building a 21-point lead and never letting the Lakers get closer than seven. Game 2 is set for Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. in Oklahoma City.
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