JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, securing a convincing victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers dominated the matchup with a final score of 126-99, showcasing impressive offensive efficiency. They found considerable success from beyond the arc, sinking 22 three-pointers, and also controlled the boards, outrebounding the Thunder 43 to 34.
Los Angeles Lakers Keep SGA Off The Line
Notably, the Lakers managed to effectively limit the potent scoring of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a player known for his ability to draw fouls, preventing him from reaching the free-throw line throughout the entire game.
Following the decisive win, Coach Redick, as reported by team reporter Mike Trudell, praised the team’s ball movement and the precision of their offensive sets throughout the night. “The movement, the spacing and the intent was great all night,” Redick commented.
This significant road victory for Redick and the Lakers against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder sends a clear message regarding the competitive landscape of the conference as the playoffs approach. While Los Angeles has yet to secure an automatic playoff berth, this win brings them closer to that goal and strengthens their case as potential title contenders.
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An impressive six Lakers players scored in double figures. Luka Doncic led the charge with a well-rounded performance of 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, shooting 11-of-20 from the field, including 5-of-11 from three-point range. Austin Reaves contributed 20 points, while LeBron James added 19 points and seven assists.
Dorian Finney-Smith also had a strong outing with 14 points and seven rebounds. With this victory, Los Angeles improved their season record to 48-30, maintaining their third-place standing in the Western Conference.
They now trail the second-seeded Houston Rockets by three games, which represents their only potential avenue for upward movement in the standings, as the Thunder have already locked up the top seed. Following this dominant Sunday win, the Lakers are set for an immediate rematch with the Thunder on Tuesday, April 8th, at 8 p.m. ET.