Thunder hang on late in Game 4 to beat LeBron James and the Lakers, complete series sweep

It was their closest game of the postseason so far, but the Oklahoma City Thunder still haven’t slipped. The Thunder held on late in a wild final few minutes to grab a 115-110 win over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night at Crypto. com Arena.

The win completed the sweep for the Thunder, who have now won nine straight playoff games dating back to their championship last season. Their eight straight wins this spring ties the longest win streak to start a postseason by a defending champion in league history. Monday’s victory officially sent the Thunder into the Western Conference finals, where they’ll wait for either the Minnesota Timberwolves or San Antonio Spurs.

That series is tied up 2-2 entering Game 5 on Tuesday night. James, who is entering free agency this summer at yet another pivotal point in his career, had 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers in the loss. Thunder hang on late to beat Lakers The Lakers kept pace early on, and even closed the first quarter on an 18-7 burst to take a slight lead.

Austin Reaves had eight points and was a perfect 3-of-3 from the field in the first 12 minutes, too. But, of course, the Thunder responded immediately. They opened the second quarter on a 17-0 run to take a double-digit lead almost instantly.