Sat Nov 30 05:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Thunder Soar Past Lakers, Eliminating Them from NBA Cup Contention

**LOS ANGELES –** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 36 points, including a crucial 15 in the fourth quarter, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 101-93 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA Cup game Friday night. This win marks the Thunder’s fourth consecutive victory and the fifth time in six games that Gilgeous-Alexander has surpassed 30 points. Jalen Williams contributed 19 points to the Thunder’s winning effort.

The Lakers, who won the inaugural NBA Cup last year, put up a fight, with Dalton Knecht scoring 20 points (including five 3-pointers) and D’Angelo Russell adding 17 off the bench. However, their comeback attempts fell short. Despite Anthony Davis’ 15 points and 12 rebounds, and LeBron James’ 12 points, the Lakers’ four turnovers in the final quarter proved costly. A crucial steal by Williams following a late Lakers turnover sealed the victory for Oklahoma City.

The loss eliminates the Lakers from NBA Cup quarterfinal contention. Both teams now sit at 2-2 in West Group B (Phoenix and San Antonio are 2-1) , leaving the Lakers’ tournament hopes dashed. Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein also had a strong performance with 11 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. The Thunder’s 15 offensive rebounds also tied a season high.

The Thunder face the Houston Rockets on Sunday, while the Lakers travel to Utah to play the Jazz on the same day.

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