Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball while being defended by Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center on April 8, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Photo: Getty Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder ended their two-game losing streak with a commanding 136-120 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night (April 8). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with an impressive 42-point performance, helping the team secure their 65th win of the season. Oklahoma City now holds a 65-14 record, inching closer to clinching the best record in the league and securing homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.
The game took a decisive turn when Luka Doncic, who scored 23 points, was ejected in the fourth quarter after receiving his second technical foul. Following his ejection, the Thunder outscored the Lakers 29-12, sealing their victory. Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 26 points for the Thunder.
The Thunder's win set a new single-season franchise record for victories, surpassing the 1995-96 Seattle squad's 64-18 record. Oklahoma City shot 64.7% from the field in the first half, leading 80-72 at halftime. Although the Lakers rallied in the third quarter, taking a 98-97 lead into the fourth, the Thunder regained control in the final minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander's step-back 3-pointer gave Oklahoma City a 117-112 lead with about six minutes left.
LeBron James scored 28 points, and Austin Reaves added 24 for the Lakers. The Lakers will face the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday (April 9), marking Doncic's first game against his former team since being traded to the Lakers for Anthony Davis on February 2. Meanwhile, the Thunder will visit the Phoenix Suns on the same day.
According to ESPN, the Thunder's dynamic pace and strategic plays were key to their victory, while CBS Sports highlighted the team's dominant performance, particularly in the first half and final quarter.