OKLAHOMA CITY — Chet Holmgren delivered a standout playoff performance with 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night.
The young Thunder squad continued its dominant postseason run, improving to a perfect 5-0 in the playoffs. Oklahoma City showcased its depth and defensive strength despite being without 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams, who missed his third consecutive game because of a left hamstring injury.
Holmgren controlled the paint on both ends of the floor, while league MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rising guard Ajay Mitchell added 18 points each. The Thunder maintained offensive rhythm throughout the contest, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and knocking down 13 three-pointers.
Thunder Defense Silences Lakers Attack
Los Angeles faced major offensive difficulties without star guard Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined for over a month due to a hamstring injury. Veteran superstar LeBron James tried to keep the Lakers competitive with 27 points, while Rui Hachimura contributed 18.
However, Oklahoma City’s relentless defense limited the impact of the Lakers’ supporting cast. Austin Reaves, one of Los Angeles’ most reliable scorers during the regular season, struggled badly and finished with only eight points on 3-of-16 shooting.
The Thunder forced 17 turnovers and held the Lakers to just 41.7 percent shooting, continuing a trend that has defined the season series between the two teams. Oklahoma City had already swept all four regular-season meetings by an average margin of more than 29 points.
Fast Start by Lakers Fades Quickly
The Lakers opened the game aggressively and jumped to a quick 7-0 lead behind LeBron James, who scored five early points. But Oklahoma City soon recovered from its extended playoff break and settled into its fast-paced style.
By the end of the first quarter, the Thunder had taken a 31-26 advantage despite James scoring 12 points in the period.
Holmgren energized the home crowd midway through the second quarter with a powerful alley-oop dunk off a pass from Isaiah Hartenstein, extending Oklahoma City’s lead to 48-39. During the play, Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt injured the pinkie finger on his right hand and was forced to leave the game without returning.
The Thunder entered halftime ahead 61-53 as their balanced offense continued to create problems for Los Angeles.
Ajay Mitchell Steps Up in Starting Role
With Jalen Williams unavailable, rookie Ajay Mitchell made the most of his opportunity in the starting lineup. Mitchell delivered one of the key moments of the night late in the third quarter when he buried a corner three-pointer while being fouled by Marcus Smart.
Mitchell completed the four-point play to give Oklahoma City an 84-72 lead heading into the final quarter, effectively shifting momentum completely in favor of the home team.
Alex Caruso added another highlight early in the fourth quarter with a fast-break dunk that pushed the lead to 15 points. From there, the Thunder comfortably controlled the game and never allowed the Lakers to mount a comeback.
Thunder Eye Stronger Grip in Series
The victory gives Oklahoma City a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 2 scheduled for Thursday night at the Thunder’s home arena.
The Thunder’s combination of youth, defensive intensity and efficient shooting has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the postseason. If Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander continue performing at this level, Oklahoma City could tighten its grip on the Western Conference race quickly.
Meanwhile, the Lakers face growing pressure to rediscover offensive consistency as they attempt to even the series before heading back to Los Angeles.