In their first encounter since the Dallas Mavericks’ significant trade reshaped the Western Conference landscape, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers faced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In the opening game of a two-game series at the Paycom Center, the Lakers, under the guidance of their head coach JJ Redick, delivered a resounding 126-99 victory, holding Thunder All-Star Gilgeous-Alexander to zero free-throw attempts. Doncic spearheaded the attack, registering an impressive 30 points, along with seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
SGA Recognizes How Luka Doncic Has Changed The Los Angeles Lakers Offensive Attack
Following the game, Gilgeous-Alexander offered his analysis of the adjustments he observed in the revamped Lakers squad, now featuring Doncic.
“With the adding of Luka [Doncic] and the subtract of AD [Anthony Davis], their attack becomes more perimeter and less interior, and that’s the difference in their attack,” Gilgeous-Alexander noted. He further elaborated, “AD used to switch a lot, too. Defensively, they’ve always been good. But their attack offensively is more perimeter and spaced out as opposed to interior posting.”
Individually, Gilgeous-Alexander recognized the same exceptional talent he had faced during Doncic’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks.
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“Same guy. Really talented. Smart basketball player, will pick you apart if you let him,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “It didn’t feel like a different guy. It felt like the same Luka Doncic. Good basketball player.” Doncic’s stellar performance, scoring 30 points on efficient shooting (11-of-20 from the field, including 5-of-11 from beyond the arc), led six players who reached double figures in scoring.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s team-high 26 points, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged that the Lakers outplayed his team for the majority of the contest. Gilgeous-Alexander himself addressed his uncharacteristic zero free-throw attempts, stating,
“I don’t know. I didn’t get fouled and don’t think that necessarily needs to change. I don’t know how many I had tonight, but I felt good offensively. I don’t think we lost because I didn’t shoot free throws, and I’m all about trying to win. So, I don’t think that necessarily needs to change. We need to play defense for sure next game if we want to win.”
The Lakers’ decisive victory, fueled by Doncic’s stellar play and JJ Redick’s strategic guidance in his rookie coaching season, marked a significant statement as they navigate the Western Conference playoff race.