Thunder Sweep Lakers as LeBron’s Season Ends in Game 4

Summary:

• The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115 to 110 to complete a 4-0 series sweep.
• Shai Gilgeous Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points in Game 4.
• LeBron James and the Lakers were eliminated in the second round.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the Western Conference finals after completing a dominant playoff sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers with a dramatic 115 to 110 win in Game 4 on Monday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander Scored 35 Points, Holmgren Had Last-Minute Basket

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered yet another excellent performance with 35 points, while Chet Holmgren provided the game’s defining moment with a go ahead dunk in the final minute.

Holmgren’s basket with 32.8 seconds remaining helped Oklahoma City regain control after the Lakers briefly took the lead late in the fourth quarter.

The Thunder were tested more than at any other point in the postseason. After cruising through earlier playoff games, Oklahoma City faced its first serious late game pressure of the playoffs as the Lakers refused to back down in front of their home crowd.

Ajay Mitchell also played a major role in the victory, scoring 28 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. The Thunder are now a perfect 8 and 0 in the playoffs and have beaten the Lakers eight straight times this season, including all four regular season meetings.

LeBron’s Future Under Question

For the Lakers, the loss marked a disappointing ending to a season filled with adversity. LeBron James finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds, but missed a potential go ahead shot with 20 seconds remaining.

The defeat also raises fresh questions about James’ future, as the 41 year old has not yet confirmed whether he plans to return for another NBA season.

Austin Reaves scored 27 points for Los Angeles, while Rui Hachimura added 25, including several clutch baskets late in the game. Still, the Lakers could not overcome Oklahoma City’s composure in the final possessions.

The series was made even more difficult for Los Angeles after Luka Dončić missed the final stretch of the season and entire playoff series because of a hamstring injury suffered in April. The Slovenian star reportedly never came close to returning before the Lakers were eliminated.

Oklahoma City will now wait for the winner of the second round matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves as the Thunder continue their push toward an NBA Finals appearance.