The Los Angeles Lakers played against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. The Thunder is currently the second seed in the Western Conference standings and the Lakers are at number nine. Based on records, fans did not expect the Lakers to win the game.
The Thunder dominated the start of the game with a 13-2 lead. The Lakers made a strong comeback and tied the game at 25 to end the first quarter. LeBron James fell two assists short of a triple-double. The star scored 19 points with 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Alongside James, Anthony Davis also scored a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
Lakers D’Angelo Russell was the star of the show with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. The guard shot five incredible three-pointers that contributed to the win. The team had a nine-point lead at halftime. In the third quarter, the Lakers extended their lead to 17 points and ended the quarter at 89-72.
In the last quarter, Russell scored three of his five consecutive three-pointers. With a big 20-point lead in the first half of the fourth, Lakers won the game 116-104. Despite three starters scoring in double digits for the Thunder, the team failed to hold out the Lakers.
Lakers fans could not contain their excitement after beating the Thunder
While the Thunder recently got the title of the first seed, the Lakers have been going back and forth between the 9th and 10th seed in the West. As the playoffs are approaching the competition is getting stronger. Teams with low winning scores are performing differently after the All-Star break.
LeBron James in action against the Thunder (Via IMAGO)The NBA always keeps fans on their toes with last-minute wins and unexpected wins. After losing on LeBron James’ historic night and being the competition with the 1st seed of the Western Conference, fans did not expect the 10th seed Lakers to win against the OKC Thunder. Lakers fans shared their excitement on X.
I NEED THE THUNDER TO GET DESTROYED I WANT CHET HOLMGREN TO GIVE UP BASKETBALL AFTER TONIGHT
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 5, 2024
LAKERS BEAT THE BEST IN THE WEST🗣️🗣️🗣️
D’Angelo: 26 PTS (5-11 3PM)
AD: 24 PTS | 12 REB | 4 AST | 3 BLK
LeBron: 19 PTS | 11 REB | 8 AST
Reaves: 16 PTS | 7 AST | 6 REB pic.twitter.com/12GFv9uV9d— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 5, 2024
The Lakers are not having a good season after winning the in-season tournament. The win will benefit the Lakers as they are moved again from the 10th seed to the 9th. The team needs to stay over .500 and win consecutive games in order to qualify for the play-ins and proceed to the playoffs.
