How did the Oklahoma City Thunder manage to dominate the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs on May 5, 2026? Well, despite a less-than-stellar showing from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored just 18 points and racked up 7 turnovers, the Thunder secured a decisive 108-90 victory at Paycom Center.
The game was a showcase of teamwork and depth. Chet Holmgren emerged as a standout performer, contributing 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Thunder shot an impressive 49.4% from the field and nailed 43.3% of their three-pointers, while their bench outscored the Lakers’ reserves 34-15. This marked the fourth consecutive game where the Lakers failed to score over 100 points.
LeBron James led his team with a solid performance, scoring 27 points on an efficient 12-of-17 shooting. Yet, his efforts weren’t enough to counteract the overall team play exhibited by the Thunder. After the game, he noted, “This ain’t Shai versus the Lakers; it’s Lakers versus the Thunder.” His words echoed the reality: it was a collective effort that sealed this victory.
JJ Redick, analyzing the game post-match, pointed out how crucial offensive rebounds were for the Thunder: “When they did get an offensive rebound, they absolutely killed us.” It’s clear that execution—something Redick emphasized—will be vital for the Lakers moving forward in this series.
As for Gilgeous-Alexander, he acknowledged his struggles, stating, “I was loose with the ball, had a lot of turnovers.” His usual prowess on offense seemed stifled against a determined Lakers defense. However, his teammates picked up the slack effectively.
The upcoming Game 2 on May 7 will be pivotal. The Lakers need to regroup and tighten their execution if they want to avoid falling into a deeper hole in this Western Conference semifinal series.