Thunder Sweep Lakers 4-0 to Advance to Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4, completing a 4-0 series sweep to advance to the 2026 NBA Western Conference Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 35 points, while Ajay Mitchell added 28. Despite a late rally by the Lakers, who were missing injured star Luka Doncic, Chet Holmgren’s crucial late dunk sealed the victory. The Thunder maintain a perfect 8-0 postseason record as defending champions. LeBron James’ future remains uncertain following the loss, which highlights significant offseason challenges for Los Angeles.
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Thunder Sweep Lakers, Maintain Perfect 8-0 Playoff Record
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals, completing a second consecutive series sweep. This victory extends the defending champions' flawless playoff record to 8-0, having previously swept the Phoenix Suns. Despite the historic achievement, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized that the team is not perfect, citing areas for improvement despite their dominance. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, while backup guard Ajay Mitchell contributed a career playoff-high 28 points, and Chet Holmgren secured the win with a late dunk. The Thunder have now gone 8-0 against the Lakers this season. They advance to the Western Conference finals, where they will face either the San Antonio Spurs or the Minnesota Timberwolves, benefiting from additional rest as those teams remain tied in their ongoing series. This marks the sixth time in 16 seasons that the franchise has reached the conference finals, positioning them as strong favorites to achieve back-to-back NBA championships, a feat last accomplished by the Golden State Warriors in 2018.
yahoo sportsThunder Sweep Lakers in Round 2 with 115-110 Game 4 Victory
The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a 4-0 series sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, securing a hard-fought 115-110 victory in Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena. This marked the Thunder's first genuinely competitive playoff game of the postseason, as the Lakers maintained close proximity throughout the contest. After trailing early, Oklahoma City utilized a strong second-quarter run led by their second unit, including key contributions from Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell, to take a halftime lead. The Lakers rallied in the third quarter, fueled by Rui Hachimura’s sharp shooting, to enter the final period ahead. However, the Thunder regained composure in the fourth quarter. Chet Holmgren delivered the decisive moment with a go-ahead dunk with 32 seconds remaining, sealing the win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated the offense, while Jared McCain provided crucial scoring support. The victory advances the Thunder to the next round, demonstrating their resilience under pressure after surviving a late-game scare against a persistent Lakers team featuring LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
yahoo sportsThunder Sweep Lakers in Game 4 to End Los Angeles' Playoff Run
The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a 4-0 series sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, winning Game 4 with a final score of 115-110. Despite facing elimination, the Lakers displayed significant resistance, matching OKC's intensity and briefly holding a lead late in the third quarter. LeBron James contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura added 25 points. However, turnovers plagued Los Angeles, allowing the Thunder to capitalize with 22 points off mistakes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with a game-high 35 points, including crucial shots in the fourth quarter, while Ajay Mitchell provided strong support with 28 points. The Thunder's defensive pressure and depth ultimately overwhelmed the Lakers, who suffered their first playoff sweep since 2023. Although Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart made late efforts to keep the game close, Chet Holmgren’s dunk and Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throws sealed the victory. This loss marks the end of the Lakers' season, while the Thunder remain undefeated in the postseason, advancing to the next round with momentum.
yahoo sportsThunder Sweep Lakers 4-0 with 115-100 Victory in Game Four
The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a 4-0 series sweep against the Los Angeles Lakers with a decisive 115-100 victory in Game Four. Despite a resilient performance from the Lakers, who briefly took the lead in the third quarter, the Thunder's depth and execution proved superior. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 35 points and eight assists, supported by Ajay Mitchell's 28 points and Chet Holmgren's 16 points. For the Lakers, Austin Reaves scored 27 points, while LeBron James contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds. The Thunder remain undefeated in the playoffs at 8-0 and will await the winner of the Minnesota vs. San Antonio series. The loss triggers significant offseason uncertainty for Los Angeles, with five players becoming free agents, including James, who is contemplating his future in the league. The game highlighted the Thunder's relentless defensive pressure and offensive versatility, contrasting with the Lakers' struggles to maintain consistent scoring outside their star duo.
yahoo sportsThunder Sweep Lakers to Advance to Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 on Monday, completing a four-game series sweep to advance to the Western Conference finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, supported by Ajay Mitchell's 28 points, Chet Holmgren's 16 points and nine rebounds, and Jared McCain's 13 points. This victory improved Oklahoma City's playoff record to a perfect 8-0. For the Lakers, Austin Reaves scored 27 points and Rui Hachimura contributed 25 points and eight rebounds in what may have been LeBron James' final game for the franchise. The defending NBA champions shot 51.9% from the field compared to the Lakers' 50.7%. Notably, the Thunder won all eight encounters against Los Angeles during the 2025-26 season, including regular-season matchups. Oklahoma City is now set to face either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the San Antonio Spurs in the next round of the playoffs. The loss signals potential major roster changes for the Lakers as they head into the offseason.
Latest articles - The Japan TimesThunder Sweep Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 to Advance to Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 of the NBA playoffs second round, completing a series sweep and advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, while Chet Holmgren scored a crucial tiebreaking dunk with 32.8 seconds remaining. Ajay Mitchell contributed significantly with 28 points, including 10 in the final period, helping Oklahoma City overcome their first fourth-quarter deficit of the postseason. The Lakers, hindered by the absence of injured star Luka Doncic, fought tenaciously with 27 points from Austin Reaves and 25 from Rui Hachimura. However, LeBron James missed a potential go-ahead shot in the final seconds, and Reaves missed a tying three-pointer, sealing the loss. This victory improves the Thunder's playoff record to 8-0. The Lakers' season ended despite exceeding expectations after significant injuries. Oklahoma City will now await the winner of the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves series for their next matchup, having secured their sixth conference finals appearance in 16 seasons.
yahoo sportsThunder Sweep Lakers 115-110, Advance 8-0 in Playoffs as James' Future Remains Uncertain
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 of the NBA playoffs second round, completing a series sweep and advancing with an undefeated 8-0 postseason record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, while Chet Holmgren provided a crucial tip-in to break a tie with 32.8 seconds remaining. Ajay Mitchell contributed significantly with 28 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, helping Oklahoma City overcome their first fourth-quarter deficit of the playoffs. For the Lakers, LeBron James recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds in what may be his final game of his 23rd season. The 41-year-old superstar missed a potential go-ahead layup late in the game and has not yet decided on his future in the league. Austin Reaves added 27 points for Los Angeles but missed a tying three-pointer in the final seconds. This loss marks the eighth time the Lakers have fallen to the Thunder this season. Despite exceeding expectations by reaching the second round amid injuries to key players like Luka Doncic, Los Angeles failed to reach the conference finals for the third consecutive year.
Clarin.com - Home - Lo últimoThunder Sweep Lakers to Advance to Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs second round, completing a four-game sweep to advance to the Western Conference finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, while Ajay Mitchell contributed 28 points and Chet Holmgren added 16 points and nine rebounds. The victory improved Oklahoma City's playoff record to 8-0. For the Lakers, Austin Reaves scored 27 points and Rui Hachimura added 25 points. LeBron James recorded 24 points and 12 rebounds in what may be his final game for Los Angeles before becoming an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers played without Luka Doncic, who was injured earlier in the season. Despite a late rally by Los Angeles that briefly gave them the lead, the Thunder secured the win with crucial free throws from Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell in the final seconds. Oklahoma City will face either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the San Antonio Spurs in the next round. This series concluded a dominant 2025-26 season for the Thunder, who won all eight meetings against the Lakers.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseThunder Sweep Lakers in Game 4 to Advance to Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4, completing a series sweep and advancing to the Western Conference Finals. This victory marks the Thunder's ninth consecutive playoff win, tying the record for the longest postseason start by a defending champion. Despite a late rally by the Lakers, who briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, the Thunder held on thanks to strong performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 35 points, and Ajay Mitchell, who added 28 points. LeBron James contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers but could not prevent the loss. The game featured intense moments, including a crucial dunk by Chet Holmgren over James. With this win, the Thunder await the winner of the Timberwolves-Spurs series. Meanwhile, speculation grows regarding LeBron James' future, as he enters free agency amid retirement rumors. The match took place at Crypto.com Arena, highlighting the Thunder's dominance in the current postseason.
yahoo sportsThunder Poised to Sweep Lakers in 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 4
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the verge of sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs, holding a commanding 3-0 series lead. Heading into Game 4, the Thunder have demonstrated dominance with an average victory margin of 19 points, despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging modest statistics of 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Lakers face significant challenges, exacerbated by the absence of Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in early April. Analysts note that the Lakers' offense is unbalanced without Doncic, relying heavily on LeBron James, a strategy that has proven ineffective against OKC's defense. While Austin Reaves and James provided a brief spark with a 9-0 run in the first quarter of Game 4, the overall outlook remains grim for Los Angeles. The game, broadcast on Prime Video, represents a critical juncture where the Thunder can close out the series. Unless the Lakers can generate significant volume production and defensive stops, a series extension to six or seven games appears unlikely, cementing OKC's superior performance in this matchup.
yahoo sportsLakers vs. Thunder Game 4 Prediction: OKC Favored to Close Out Series
The Oklahoma City Thunder are positioned just one victory away from advancing to the Western Conference finals after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 131-108 in Game 3, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. Oddsmakers have installed the Thunder as significant favorites, with spreads ranging from 10.5 to 12.5 points for the upcoming Game 4. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and coach JJ Redick, face elimination despite holding halftime leads in previous games, largely due to defensive struggles and the Thunder's dominant second-half performances. A key factor in Oklahoma City's success has been the emergence of Ajay Mitchell, who has stepped up in Jalen Williams' absence. Mitchell recently recorded a career-high 24 points and 10 assists in Game 3, capitalizing on single-coverage matchups. Betting analysis highlights Mitchell's strong performance, recommending wagers on his combined points and assists over 20.5 or specifically on him recording six or more assists. The Thunder's depth and versatility continue to overwhelm the Lakers, who appear to have run out of strategic options against the reigning champions.
New York PostThunder vs Lakers Game 4 Prediction: OKC Favored to Sweep Series
This article provides betting predictions and analysis for Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers. The author argues that the Thunder have thoroughly dominated the series, suggesting that a gentleman's sweep is unlikely and that Oklahoma City will likely eliminate the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Key betting recommendations include taking the Thunder moneyline and covering the -10.5 spread, citing their consistent performance against Los Angeles throughout the season. A specific focus is placed on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with predictions that he will score under 28.5 points and grab under 3.5 rebounds, as the Thunder's dominance allows their star player to remain in cruise control without expending excessive effort. Conversely, LeBron James is expected to score over 22.5 points in a final effort to keep the Lakers' season alive, though it is deemed insufficient to change the series outcome. The piece highlights that Oklahoma City has covered the spread in all seven meetings against the Lakers this year, reinforcing the confidence in their continued superiority in this matchup.
Covers.com: general News and StoriesOKC Thunder Defeat LA Lakers to Take 3-0 Playoff Series Lead
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a commanding 3-0 lead in the Western Conference second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers with a decisive 131-108 victory in Game 3. Although the Thunder trailed by two points at halftime, they dominated the second half, outscoring Los Angeles 74-49 in the final 24 minutes. Ajay Mitchell was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 18 of his 24 points in the second half and dishing out 10 assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 23 points and nine assists, while Chet Holmgren added 18 points and nine rebounds. Cason Wallace provided a spark off the bench with 16 points. For the Lakers, Rui Hachimura led the scoring with 21 points, including five three-pointers. LeBron James recorded 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, while Austin Reaves and Luke Kennard added 17 and 18 points respectively. Despite these efforts, the Lakers could not match the Thunder's intensity after the break. Mitchell credited the team's confidence and coaching staff for their success. The Thunder, noted as defending champions in the report, now stand on the brink of advancing to the next round, having established a significant advantage in the semifinals.
Daily TimesThunder Aim to Sweep Lakers in Game 4 of Western Conference Semifinals
The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to complete a series sweep against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs Western Conference semifinals. Holding a commanding 3-0 lead, the top-seeded Thunder have won every postseason game by at least 18 points, including a dominant 131-108 victory in Game 3. Second-year guard Ajay Mitchell has emerged as a key contributor, recording a playoff career-high 24 points and 10 assists in the latest matchup while filling in for the injured Jalen Williams. Meanwhile, Lakers stars struggle; Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and LeBron James faces defensive challenges despite averaging 23 points. The Lakers, who have allowed an average of 121.3 points per game, face historical odds, as no NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. Despite the dire situation, Lakers players like Austin Reaves emphasize the need to compete hard to avoid elimination. The Thunder aim to maintain their perfect playoff record and advance to the next round when they face the host Lakers in Los Angeles.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseThunder Dominate Lakers in Second Half to Take 3-0 Series Lead
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 131-108 in Game 3 of the Western Conference second-round playoffs, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. After trailing by two points at halftime, the Thunder dominated the second half, outscoring Los Angeles 74-49. Ajay Mitchell led the charge with 24 points, including 18 in the second half, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 23 points and nine assists. Chet Holmgren added 18 points and nine rebounds, and Cason Wallace provided 16 points off the bench. For the Lakers, Rui Hachimura scored a team-high 21 points, and LeBron James recorded 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. The Lakers struggled with ball security, committing 17 turnovers that resulted in 30 Thunder points. Oklahoma City shot an impressive 56.4% from the field. With this victory, the defending champion Thunder improved to 7-0 in the postseason and are one win away from completing a historic sweep, as no NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit. Both teams were missing key players due to hamstring injuries, with Luka Doncic absent for Los Angeles and Jalen Williams sidelined for Oklahoma City.
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