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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Lakers in the NBA Cup

Vaseline November 30, 2024

LOS ANGELES — When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said his life was consistent, he may not have even thought it could go so deep.

On Friday, after his Thunder swallowed a forgettable foul and a pair of free throws, Gilgeous-Alexander eyed his defender as he made one.

Then Gilgeous-Alexander came up from deep, a shot that slowly became characteristic. One that he has cherished and grown affection for, especially this week. He rose from the same spot, around the same time and with the same commitment as Wednesday’s victory.

And in Friday’s 101-93 NBA Cup victory over the Lakers in Los Angeles, he found the bottom of the net just as well.

Most of the game had been a melting pot of grotesque fouls. 3-point shooting hardly worth bragging about, fruitless drives.

The Thunder recorded 17 more field goals in the paint than the Lakers, making just 48.7% of 39 paint attempts.

Gilgeous-Alexander has largely benefited from the return of Isaiah Hartenstein, giving teams a move worth their salt. Jalen Williams, who left the game early on Wednesday, was available as a threat. But the Lakers blew a lot of that.

As it can be when OKC’s offense seems hollow, it was Gilgeous-Alexander and the edge. He attacked the Lakers relentlessly, scoring 36 points and nine assists on 13-for-28 shooting.

In the fourth quarter, he went 6 for 7 from the free throw line. Before Isaiah Hartenstein’s final pair of free throws, SGA accounted for 80.8% of the team’s points.

Bodies down, stakes raised, and still the same Gilgeous-Alexander. Somehow still incomplete in the words of coach Mark Daigneault, and yet typically on time.

Sometimes creepy.

Daigneault had already prepared the field for Friday’s match two hours earlier.

The Thunder coach is confused by his team’s lack of free throws. He’s doubly aware of the reputation the Lakers have built as a free throw fortress.

“I mean, they shot 507 more free throws than their opponents last season, and 476 the season before,” Daigneault said before Friday’s win. “This year they are +97. Those are just huge numbers, and the free throw line is the most efficient shot you can make on the court. They get the most efficient shot. They reach the bonus faster and set their defense better. And those numbers are different. It’s not just rates.”

He went into the game with an open mind, equipped with the information. Daigneault has been vocal about his respect and love for the officials he shared time with in the G League and who now play in the NBA. A mutual respect.

But Daigneault’s interactions with Eric Dalen, or any member of Friday’s crew, weren’t exactly romantic.

By halftime, Daigneault was furious. The Lakers had attempted twelve free throws, while OKC had attempted only two. Friday seemed to be a new data point.

In the fourth quarter, Daigneault was at ease. His team made 13 of 16 free throw attempts that night. Gilgeous-Alexander was the main culprit.

Thunder vs. Lakers live score updates

NBA Cup standings in group play (starting Friday):

What time is Thunder vs Lakers

Date: Friday November 29
Time: 9pm CT
Where: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles

What channel is Thunder vs Lakers on today?

TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network
Watch online: Fubo (free trial)
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM

Thunder vs. Lakers odds

Odds available via BetMGM from Thursday, November 28

Chances: Lakers by 1.5

Top/bottom: 229.5

Moneyline: Los Angeles -110 | OKC-110

OKC Thunder roster

Alex Caruso, PG
Ousmane Dieng, SF
Luguentz Dort, SG
Alex Ducas, SG*
Adam Flagler, PG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG
Isaiah Hartenstein, C
Chet Holmgren, PF
Isaiah Joe, SG
Dillon Jones, S.F
Ajay Mitchell, S.G.*
Alex Reese, PF
Nikola Topić, PG
Cason Wallace, S.G
Aaron Wiggins, S.G
Jalen Williams, S.G
Jaylin Williams, PF
Kenrich Williams, PF

*-two-way contract

OKC Thunder schedule

November 29: at LA Lakers, 9 p.m. (ESPN)

December 1: in Houston, 6 p.m

December 3: Utah, 7 p.m

December 5: in Toronto, 6:30 p.m

December 7: in New Orleans, 6 p.m

December 19: in Orlando, 6 p.m. (TNT)

Highlights Thunder vs. Lakers

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