The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a disappointing defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. They once again failed to produce the desired result in the absence of star player LeBron James. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went off for 28 points in a standout performance.
Oklahoma City needed to overcome a 19-point deficit and did so in spectacular fashion to win 107-104. LeBron James was ruled out prior to kick off with an abdominal injury and the Lakers medical department have said they will be cautious with the 36-year-old. The mantle fell on Anthony Davis and Westbrook to deliver the win.
The Thunder outscored the Lakers 35-24 in the fourth quarter leaving the new-look Lakers, once again, shell-shocked about the final outcome.
However, the night belonged to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who added three rebounds and six assists to his 28 points in a sizzling performance. The win was OKC’s second victory in 8 games this season. Surprisingly both of those wins came against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Russell Westbrook contributed 27 points and six rebounds. He failed to take the game to overtime when he missed a three-point attempt right at the end. Carmelo Anthony hit two three-point shots to make it a one-possession game before Westbrook’s miss handed the win to the Thunder. The Lakers play the Portland Trailblazers next and will have to make do without the Injured LeBron James for up to a week.
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Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Houston Rockets 123-111. That win marked their fourth of the season. Devin Booker scored 27 points and Landry Shamet went off for a further 19 points. The Rockets played well for long periods but were unable to sustain their momentum. Kevin Porter 20 points to lead the Rockets in scoring for the night.
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