Doncic Scores 30 as Lakers Crush Thunder 126-99 in Statement Win/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Luka Doncic scored 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 126-99. The Lakers hit a franchise-record 15 threes in the first half and never looked back. Oklahoma City remains two games ahead in the standings despite consecutive losses.
Lakers Crush Thunder in Blowout Victory: Quick Looks
- Luka Doncic scores 30 points, including five first-half threes.
- Lakers hit franchise-record 15 threes in the first half alone.
- LeBron James adds 19 points, 7 assists; Reaves chips in 20.
- Lakers win four of last five games as postseason nears.
- Thunder drop consecutive games for only second time this season.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 26; Jalen Williams adds 16 for OKC.
- Oklahoma City still holds best record by two games over Cleveland.
- Bronny James hits late 3-pointer in final minute of game.
- Thunder held under 100 points for first time since November 15.
Doncic Scores 30 as Lakers Crush Thunder 126-99 in Statement Win
Deep Look
Lakers Overwhelm Thunder in 126-99 Win Behind Luka Doncic’s Dominant Night
The Los Angeles Lakers sent a strong message to the rest of the NBA on Sunday night, dismantling the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 126-99 on their home floor. Luka Doncic delivered another masterclass with 30 points, leading a red-hot Lakers team to their fourth win in five games.
Doncic scored 22 of his points in a blistering first half, connecting on five 3-pointers — several of which were heavily contested — and helping the Lakers build a commanding 78-56 lead by halftime. That opening half included a franchise-record 15 three-pointers, marking the most points the Thunder have allowed in a half all season.
The performance highlighted the growing synergy between Doncic and LeBron James, who added 19 points and 7 assists in the win. Austin Reaves also contributed 20 points in one of the Lakers’ most complete team performances of the season.
“This was a statement,” Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said postgame. “It’s the kind of balance we’ve been searching for — defensive pressure, ball movement, and big-time shot-making.”
The Lakers opened the game on a tear, scoring 42 points in the first quarter to take a 10-point lead. Momentum swung fully in their favor midway through the second, when Doncic, driving into traffic, fired a no-look, behind-the-head pass to Gabe Vincent for a deep three, pushing the lead to 64-42.
Oklahoma City, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 26 points, never found its rhythm. Jalen Williams added 16, but the Thunder’s typically airtight defense was shredded by Los Angeles’ shot-making. The Lakers’ perimeter efficiency left Oklahoma City scrambling, as their team-oriented defense struggled to counter the Lakers’ individual brilliance.
By the third quarter, the outcome was all but sealed. Doncic was fouled on a circus layup and hit the ensuing free throw to extend the lead to 93-67. The Lakers entered the fourth up 103-77. Even the closing minutes had a feel-good moment, as LeBron’s son, Bronny James, hit a three-pointer in the final minute to close out the scoring.
Key Moments and Stats:
- Key Moment: LeBron James stole the ball and delivered a breakaway dunk in the fourth quarter to make it 107-83, sealing the statement win.
- Key Stat: The Thunder were held under 100 points for the first time since Nov. 15.
- Team Trend: The Lakers’ spacing and chemistry with Doncic and James on the floor continues to improve, giving the team major upside entering the final stretch of the regular season.
Despite the loss, Oklahoma City (with five games remaining) still leads the league standings, holding a two-game advantage over the Cleveland Cavaliers. But with the playoffs looming, back-to-back losses — this being only their second such streak of the season — may raise questions about the Thunder’s playoff readiness.
“These are tough games, but they’re also teaching moments,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “We’ll regroup. We’ve bounced back before.”
The teams will meet again Tuesday night in Oklahoma City, offering the Thunder an immediate opportunity to respond.
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