OKC Thunder cruises past Lakers, inches closer to securing West's top seed

Apr 08, 2026 - 05:46

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OKC Thunder cruises past Lakers, inches closer to securing West's top seed

LOS ANGELES — The OKC Thunder's most important game is the one that's next on the schedule.

That's something the team often says. And while it's easy to put that into words, putting it into action is a bit more challenging. Especially on a night like Tuesday, when OKC faced a short-handed Los Angeles Lakers team that was a 15.5-point underdog.

But the Thunder still showed concentration in a game where others would show complacency. It dominated on both ends of the floor to secure a 123-87 road win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 25 points and eight assists, while Isaiah Joe added 18 points and two rebounds off the bench.

OKC improved to 63-16 on the season with the win. And its next game, a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers at 9 p.m. CT Wednesday, may actually be its most important of the season.

OKC can secure the top seed in the Western Conference with a win. It could also do so if the San Antonio Spurs lose their home game against the Portland Trail Blazers at 8:30 p.m.

Here are three takeaways from the win:

Order new book on Thunder's run to NBA title

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder takes a shot against Drew Timme #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on April 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Chet Holmgren battled former Gonzaga teammate Drew Timme

Starters always dap each other up prior to the opening tipoff. It's customary in the NBA, and Chet Holmgren went through the motions by handing out some half-hearted handshakes to the Lakers' players.

But there was one exception. It was Drew Timme, who played alongside Holmgren at Gonzaga in 2021-22. The former teammates were all smiles as they connected on a booming dap-up near halfcourt.

Timme got the start on a night when Los Angeles was without Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain), LeBron James (left foot injury management), Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain), Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) and Jaxson Hayes (left foot soreness). And the undrafted sophomore showed some of the skills that made him a three-time All American in college.

Timme scored 10 of Los Angeles' first 15 points. He ultimately ended the night with 11 points, three rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes.

But Holmgren also showed off some skills of his own. The All-Star forward recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 22 minutes.

Cason Wallace watched girlfriend Kiki Rice, UCLA women's basketball team get honored for NCAA title

Kiki Rice proudly held up a Lakers jersey at halfcourt to show the text on the back.

"UCLA Champs," the jersey read where the player's last name usually goes, with the number 26 below it.

Rice was honored on the court alongside her UCLA women's basketball teammates, who recently won the program's first NCAA championship, after the first quarter of Tuesday's contest. And while she waved Los Angeles' jersey, the senior guard was undoubtedly rooting for OKC.

Her boyfriend is Thunder guard Cason Wallace, after all.

“That was great," Wallace said of Rice's recent championship. "It was fun just seeing her live out her dreams. She was very excited and happy. She works every day. It’s a lot of work and she’s consistent with it, so for her to have those achievements and her hard work paying off is great.”

Wallace proceeded to put up five points, three steals and three assists in 23 minutes off the bench.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat out another fourth quarter after dominant performance

Gilgeous-Alexander walked the ball up the floor late in the third quarter. He was conserving his energy before punching the gas pedal.

Without any warning, the superstar guard blew past Kobe Bufkin and elevated toward the rim. Bronny James jumped but didn't jump higher than Gilgeous-Alexander, who threw down a two-handed dunk.

Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 25 points and eight assists in only 28 minutes. He went 10 for 15 from the field (2 for 2 from deep).

Gilgeous-Alexander then continued to conserve his energy, as he sat out the entire fourth quarter of the blowout contest. It marked the 25th time he's done so this season.

Tip-ins

∎ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 139 straight games. It's the longest streak in NBA history.

∎ OKC was without Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) and Jalen Williams (right hamstring injury management).

∎ Los Angeles was without Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain), Jaxson Hayes (left foot soreness), LeBron James (left foot injury management), Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion).

Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.