Lakers blown out by Thunder in Game 3, one loss away from postseason elimination

The details were different, but the story of Saturday’s Game 3 between the Lakers and Thunder played out similarly as the previous two matchups in Oklahoma City.

The Lakers were competitive early, even having a lead going into halftime just like they did in Thursday’s Game 2.

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But the results were the same as before, with the Lakers once again running out of gas against the Thunder and losing 131-108 for their worst loss of the playoff series on Saturday in Los Angeles, putting them one loss away from being eliminated from the postseason.

The details were different, but the story of Saturday’s Game 3 between the Lakers and Thunder played out similarly as the previous two matchups in Oklahoma City. NBAE via Getty Images

But the results were the same as before, with the Lakers once again running out of gas against the Thunder and losing 131-108 NBAE via Getty Images

“They’ve kicked our ass three straight games,” coach JJ Redick said. “They’re an incredible basketball team.”

The Thunder outscored the Lakers 74-49 in the second half after the Lakers had a 59-57 lead going into halftime.

The Lakers were outscored 33-20 in the third, continuing their struggles in the series with after halftime, before the game was put out of reach in the fourth.

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The Thunder have outscored the Lakers by a combined 31 points in the third quarters of the series.

“If I had the answers, we would not struggle with it,” Austin Reaves said.

Even though they combined for 17 assists, LeBron James (19 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds) and Reaves (17 points, 9 rebounds and 3 rebounds) both struggled, shooting a combined 12-for-32 from the field.

Reaves (5) and James (3) also combined for 8 of the Lakers’ 17 turnovers.

They didn’t lead the way enough during a game the Lakers got a combined 39 points from Rui Hachimura (21 points on 7-of-14 shooting) and Luke Kennard (18 points on 7-10 shooting).

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The Thunder scored 30 points off the Lakers’ giveaways.

Ajay Mitchell led the Thunder with 24 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds.

Reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with his shot…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-blown-thunder-game-3-031311984.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-10 03:13:00

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