The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder is now one win away from another ticket to the Western Conference Finals after dominating the Los Angeles Lakers, 131-108, in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena in California on Saturday (Sunday, May 10, 2026, PH time).
Mitchell and Gilgeous-Alexander Lead the Charge
Ajay Mitchell dropped a career playoff high of 24 points and 10 assists, while reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 23 points and nine assists for the Thunder. Oklahoma City improved to 7-0 in the playoffs following a sweep of the Phoenix Suns in the first round. The franchise became the NBA's sixth defending champion to start 7-0 in the following postseason after three wins over a short-handed Lakers squad.
Lakers Struggle Without Doncic
The Lakers once again missed NBA scoring champion Luka Doncic, who is out for his 14th consecutive game since straining his hamstring on April 2 in Oklahoma City. Despite the absence, LeBron James poured in 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Sharp-shooter Austin Reaves chipped in 17 points and nine assists, while Rui Hachimura added 21 points for the losing team.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles (Tuesday, PH time). The Thunder will look to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year.
