NEW DELHI:
LeBron James
propelled the
Los Angeles Lakers
to a 129-120 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday in Oklahoma City. James' stellar performance, coupled with strategic lineup changes by Lakers coach Darvin Ham, proved to be the winning formula that snapped the Thunder's three-game winning streak.
Facing a crucial game labeled as a "must-win" by
Anthony Davis
, Lakers coach Darvin Ham made significant adjustments to the starting lineup to rejuvenate the team.
Jarred Vanderbilt got the starting nod, while D'
Angelo Russell
was moved to the bench. Russell, who hadn't come off the bench in the regular season since late in the 2020-21 season, embraced his role and made a substantial impact.
The Lakers surged in the first half, scoring an impressive 71 points and securing a 12-point lead at halftime. Russell's contribution was crucial, scoring eight consecutive points in the second quarter and initiating a 13-3 run that further extended the Lakers' lead.
LeBron James, who missed the previous game due to ankle tendinitis, returned to the lineup and showcased his brilliance with a remarkable performance. James recorded 40 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, playing a pivotal role in the Lakers' offensive prowess.
In the third quarter, James and Davis continued their scoring onslaught, each contributing 10 points to extend the Lakers' lead to as much as 26 points. Despite the Thunder's resilient efforts, James' scoring prowess, coupled with Davis' all-around performance and
Rui Hachimura
's contributions off the bench, kept the Lakers firmly in control.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with an impressive 34-point performance, supported by
Jalen Williams
' 28 points and Chet Holmgren's double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, the Lakers maintained their offensive efficiency. The Thunder staged a late-game comeback, cutting the deficit to eight points, but LeBron James responded with a crucial 11-point surge to secure the Lakers' victory.
Anthony Davis finished the game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. The Lakers demonstrated sharpshooting prowess, finishing 16 of 32 from beyond the arc.
The Lakers' victory not only ended their four-game losing streak but also showcased their ability to adapt strategically and capitalize on the individual brilliance of LeBron James and supporting cast members.
(With Reuters inputs)
English (US) ·