LOS ANGELES — After Ajay Mitchell knocked down a tough mid-range jumper over a defender, Austin Reaves attempted to drive to the basket but was denied by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Following the stop, Alex Caruso threw down a one-handed slam. That three-play sequence was enough to send Los Angeles fans heading for the exits.
The Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 131-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3, building an insurmountable 3-0 series lead in their second-round matchup of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
Different game, same story. The Thunder continued to pick apart the Lakers’ defense, returning to regular-season form as Gilgeous-Alexander used his gravity to create opportunities. With double-teams easing off, they moved the ball around for open shots.
This time, Cason Wallace enjoyed a scoring outburst, putting up 11 points in the first quarter. The Thunder led 31-25 after the opening frame. With their season on the line, the Lakers delivered their best punch yet in the second quarter, unleashing a 20-7 run. Rui Hachimura caught fire from beyond the arc, and other role players contributed. It was the best Los Angeles had looked all series. Even when Gilgeous-Alexander generated a decent look, the shots kept rimming out. The Thunder managed just 26 points in the second quarter, entering halftime down 59-57.
The 15-minute break was all OKC needed to refocus. They took full control of the game again, putting the Lakers in the passenger seat. The Thunder went on a 20-8 run, snapping Gilgeous-Alexander out of his slump. Chet Holmgren served as an efficient finisher. They scored 33 points in the third quarter.
By then, the Thunder had built a 90-79 lead. With a double-digit advantage, they were a solid finish away from essentially burying the Lakers. Momentum swung further in OKC’s favor when a successful challenge turned Lu Dort’s costly fifth foul into an offensive foul on Hachimura for an illegal screen.
Stiff-arming the Lakers on the scoreboard, the Thunder extended their lead past double digits. Los Angeles had no offensive firepower to mount a comeback. OKC poured in an unreal 41 points in the final quarter, clearing their bench once again as the crowd slowly filed out.
The Thunder shot 56% from the field and went 17-of-38 (44.7%) from three-point range. They made 8-of-10 free throws and dished out 30 assists on 53 baskets. Seven players scored in double figures.
Gilgeous-Alexander posted a modest 23 points and nine assists. Holmgren finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Mitchell continued to shine with 24 points and 10 assists. Isaiah Hartenstein had 10 points and nine rebounds. Wallace scored 16 points, while Isaiah Joe added 12 points and Dort chipped in 10.
Meanwhile, the Lakers shot 47% from the field and went 14-of-30 (46.7%) from three. They made 18-of-25 free throws and recorded 31 assists on 38 baskets. Six Lakers scored in double digits: LeBron James had 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds; Hachimura finished with 21 points and five rebounds; Reaves tallied 17 points and nine assists; Luke Kennard had 18 points and two assists; Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton each contributed 10 points.
Business as usual for the Thunder.
