Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder rout Lakers as Luka Doncic exits with hamstring injury

Thursday's game between the Thunder and Lakers was supposed to be a thriller. A showdown between two of the NBA's hottest teams, leaving everyone on the edge of their seat. But that wasn't the case for those on OKC's bench during the fourth quarter.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder's starters sat back with towels over their heads, chatting and laughing as the final 12 minutes unfolded. They were only a formality in what proved to be a 139-96 home win for OKC . A statement performance by the Thunder (61-16), which showed why it's the top team in the league.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 28 points, seven assists and seven rebounds in 30 minutes. Isaiah Joe also added 20 points in just 13 minutes off the bench by going 7 for 9 from the field (6 for 8 from deep). Here are three takeaways from the win: More: OKC Thunder will host 2026 preseason game vs.

New Orleans Pelicans in Tulsa Order new book on Thunder's run to NBA title OKC's defense swarmed Los Angeles Deandre Ayton flailed his hands as soon as he got into the Thunder's ocean-blue paint. The big man was simply calling for the basketball. But rapid movement is the worst thing you can do when swimming with sharks, and OKC's apex predators were quick to close in.