The Oklahoma City Thunder once again proved why they are among the NBA’s most complete teams, overcoming a short-handed roster and the fatigue of a back-to-back to dominate the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
Still without Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams—who has yet to make his season debut after playing a key role in last year’s title run—the Thunder leaned on their defensive discipline to deliver another statement win.
Just 24 hours earlier, Oklahoma City had silenced the Golden State Warriors, holding Stephen Curry to just 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting in a 24-point rout. Facing the Lakers, the Thunder faced a new challenge: Luka Doncic, who entered the night leading the league with 37.1 points per game, and Austin Reaves, ranked sixth at 30.3 points per game.
Those numbers didn’t matter. The Thunder once again suffocated their opponents, holding Los Angeles to just 92 points in a 29-point blowout. OKC’s defensive intensity was relentless, limiting the Lakers to 38 points in the first half and forcing tough shots all night. Doncic finished with a season-low 19 points on 7-for-20 shooting, while Reaves managed just 13 points on 4-for-12.
Through 13 games, Oklahoma City stands at 12-1, powered by the league’s best defense. The Thunder currently rank first in points allowed per game (107) and first in opponent field goal percentage (41.9%), underscoring their defensive dominance.
With two days of rest ahead, the Thunder will carry their four-game win streak into Saturday’s road matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
More Thunder news:
- Isaiah Hartenstein lands new sneaker deal amid career year
- Thunder vs. Lakers: OKC updates injury report before tipoff
- OKC Thunder lock down Grizzlies, maintain unreal streak against Memphis
- Thunder make Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso injury announcement