Thursday’s game between the Thunder and Lakers was supposed to be a thriller. A showdown between two of the NBA’s hottest teams, leaving everyone on the edge of their seat.
But that wasn’t the case for those on OKC’s bench during the fourth quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder’s starters sat back with towels over their heads, chatting and laughing as the final 12 minutes unfolded.
They were only a formality in what proved to be a 139-96 home win for OKC. A statement performance by the Thunder (61-16), which showed why it’s the top team in the league.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 28 points, seven assists and seven rebounds in 30 minutes. Isaiah Joe also added 20 points in just 13 minutes off the bench by going 7 for 9 from the field (6 for 8 from deep).
Here are three takeaways from the win:
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Deandre Ayton flailed his hands as soon as he got into the Thunder’s ocean-blue paint.
The big man was simply calling for the basketball. But rapid movement is the worst thing you can do when swimming with sharks, and OKC’s apex predators were quick to close in.
Luka Doncic zipped a pass to Ayton only to see it get intercepted by Isaiah Hartenstein. That sparked a Thunder fastbreak, which ended with a layup by Chet Holmgren.
Los Angeles has ranked third in the NBA in fewest turnovers per game (12.6) since the All-Star break. That ball security has been a major contributor to its strong play as of late.
But every pass was hunted by OKC’s defense on Thursday. The Thunder forced 18 turnovers and converted them into 24 points.
The ball never touched the floor as OKC moved it around the perimeter late in the second quarter.
It went from Gilgeous-Alexander to Lu Dort to Jaylin Williams to Ajay Mitchell, who waited patiently in the corner. And it happened in just five seconds, leaving Los Angeles’ defenders with little time to react.
All they could do was watch as Mitchell buried the 3-pointer, one of many triples by the Thunder on Thursday.
OKC went 19 for 42 from deep (45.2%) during its blowout win. It was a deadly addition to an offense that usually does most of its damage around the rim.
OKC is now 35-6 when it shoots above league average on 3-pointers (35.9%) this season.
Doncic pulled his jersey over his mouth and yelled into it.
The superstar guard was clearly upset as he slowly walked off the floor and into the tunnel midway through the third quarter. His night was over after he drove into the lane and immediately grabbed at his left hamstring.
It was a frustrating ending to a frustrating night for Doncic. He posted 12 points and seven assists in 26 minutes on 3-for-10 shooting from the field (1 for 7 from deep).
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Doncic will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the extent of his injury. If he does miss an extended period of time, it’ll be a crushing blow to a Los Angeles team that entered Thursday playing its best basketball of the season.
Doncic also needs to appear in one more regular-season game to meet the NBA’s 65-game requirement for awards. He’s an MVP candidate and a lock to make the All-NBA first team if he can do so.
Luka Doncic is devastated after getting injured pic.twitter.com/5DtQadCNfO
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 3, 2026
∎ Dort exited the third quarter after taking a hard fall on a layup attempt. He did not return to the game, finishing with 14 points and two steals in 21 minutes.
∎ Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored at least 20 points in 137 straight games. It’s the longest streak in NBA history.
∎ OKC was without Alex Caruso (illness) and Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery).
∎ Los Angeles was without Kobe Bufkin (G League assignment), Dalton Knecht (G League assignment), Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) and Adou Thiero (G League assignment).
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Lakers lose Luka Doncic to injury during 43-point loss to OKC Thunder
