NBA Playoffs: OKC Thunder overpower LA Lakers to take 1-0 lead 06.05.2026

The Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning NBA champions, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90 on Tuesday at Paycom Center to take a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. Chet Holmgren led with 24 points and 12 rebounds, supported by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell's 18 points each. The Thunder's defense held the Lakers to their lowest playoff score since 2021, despite LeBron James' 27-point effort. Lakers coach JJ Redick blamed unforced errors for the loss. Oklahoma City had swept the Lakers 4-0 in the regular season by an average of 29.3 points. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101, as Cade Cunningham scored 23 and six Pistons players finished in double figures. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 23 points.












