LOS ANGELES — The Lakers entered Friday realizing the outcomes of their residence sport in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder would assure nothing about their hopes of contending for a second straight NBA Cup.
However Friday’s outcome, a 101-93 Thunder victory at Crypto.com Area, sealed the Lakers’ destiny.
With the loss, the Lakers dropped to 11-8 on the season and 2-2 in Cup play of their 4 group video games, basically eliminating them from competition for a spot within the quarterfinals.
The one wild card spot within the Western Convention will almost definitely be a group with a 3-1 file (Oklahoma Metropolis, Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas or Portland). Even within the extraordinarily unlikely state of affairs the place a number of groups find yourself tied at 2-2, the Lakers would lose on level differential (-24).
Rookie ahead Dalton Knecht scored a team-high 20 factors (6 of 12 from 3-point vary) with six rebounds and 4 assists.
Anthony Davis completed with 15 factors, 12 rebounds, seven assists and 4 blocked photographs, however he solely had 10 subject objective makes an attempt (making 5) whereas taking pictures 5 of seven from the free throw line.
D’Angelo Russell added 17 factors, 9 rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer over the outstretched proper arm of Max Christie to offer the Thunder a 95-91 lead with 1:35 to play.
LeBron James (12 factors, eight rebounds and 6 assists however 5 turnovers) tried to reply together with his personal 3-pointer however missed.
Gilgeous-Alexander missed a 3-point try on the following Thunder possession, with James aiding Christie on a turnaround jumper with 40 seconds left that reduce the Lakers’ deficit to 95-93.
Not seeming to know that the Lakers had no foul to make late, Christie deliberately fouled Gilgeous-Alexander, who made two free throws with 22 seconds remaining to offer the Thunder a 97-93 benefit .
Austin Reaves (11 factors on 3-of-11 taking pictures) turned the ball over on the Lakers’ subsequent possession, resulting in a dunk by Jalen Williams (19 factors) to seal the victory for the Thunder (15-4; 2-1 in sport Lower).
Reaves suffered a heavy fall after being fouled by Gilgeous-Alexander late within the second quarter.
He remained on the court docket for a couple of minutes earlier than returning to the bench underneath his personal energy, hitting two free throws after the stoppage.
He tried to remain within the sport however requested to be substituted a minute later, heading straight to the group’s locker room and never popping out with the remainder of the group after halftime earlier than rejoining the group in the course of the third.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 36 factors, 9 assists and 7 rebounds.
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