Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points, and Chet Holmgren delivered a game-winning dunk with 32.8 seconds left as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, completing a 4-0 sweep and extending their playoff winning streak to eight games.
Rookie guard Ajay Mitchell scored a team-high 28 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, helping the Thunder withstand a furious Lakers rally in what was their toughest postseason test so far.
LeBron James, playing his 23rd NBA season at age 41, finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds in what could be his final game. However, he missed a go-ahead layup with 20 seconds remaining. James has yet to decide whether to return for another season, and no special ceremony marked the occasion. The Lakers lost to the Thunder for the eighth time this season, including regular season and playoffs.
Austin Reaves scored 27 points but missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with 8 seconds left. Despite missing Luka Doncic and Reaves due to injuries earlier in the playoffs, the Lakers exceeded expectations but ultimately lost six of their last seven games, failing to reach the Western Conference finals for the third straight year.
The fourth quarter featured several dramatic swings:
– The Lakers mounted a strong comeback, forcing the Thunder into their first fourth-quarter deficit of the postseason.
– With 2:03 left, Holmgren dunked to put the Thunder up 109-103.
– Los Angeles responded quickly: Rui Hachimura converted a four-point play, and Marcus Smart followed with a three-point play to give the Lakers a 110-109 lead.
– With 32.8 seconds left, Holmgern’s dunk put the Thunder back ahead.
– James missed a layup, Gilgeous-Alexander hit two free throws, and Reaves missed a three-pointer, sealing the win for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder outscored the Lakers by an average of 18+ points per game in the series and went 8-0 against them this season. Oklahoma City now awaits the winner of the San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series in the Western Conference finals.