LA (AP)— The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-105 yesterday with 27 points and 15 rebounds from Anthony Davis and 25 from LeBron James.
D'Angelo Russell scored 14 points and seven assists as the Lakers defeated the Thunder in the fourth quarter for their sixth win in 18 games, two of which came against Oklahoma City.
“When we have high-assist games where guys are in a rhythm, it’s pretty good for us,” James said. “We need to look at this and be more consistent.”
With a right knee strain, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 16 of his 24 points in the first half for Oklahoma City, which had its lowest offensive output in 19 games since December 6. Two of the Thunder's four losses in 16 games are due to the Lakers.
The Thunder launched a crucial four-game run against the West's best teams with 25 points from Jalen Williams but 17 from Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey.
On their road trip, Oklahoma City meets the Clippers and conference-leading Timberwolves. LA Lakers center Anthony Davis reacts after a slam dunk vs OKC.
“I thought (the Lakers) had a good plan,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. They game-planned and executed well. They deserved victory.
We missed shots. We lacked offensive rhythm. It was not our finest game, but it was something to learn from.”
James scored 17 second-half points after missing his fourth game of the season due to injury. His driving layup with 8:53 left gave Los Angeles their first double-digit lead at 93-82.
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