Jalen Williams Returns, Lifts Thunder Past Lakers Without SGA, Doncic/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jalen Williams returned from injury and led the Thunder to a road win over the Lakers. Oklahoma City prevailed despite missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic sitting for LA. The Thunder’s depth and physical play proved decisive down the stretch.
Jalen Williams Thunder Lakers Quick Looks
- Jalen Williams scores 23 in return from hamstring injury
- Thunder beat Lakers 119–110 in Los Angeles
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic both sidelined
- LeBron James finishes with 22 points, 10 assists
- Thunder bench outperforms Lakers reserves
- Oklahoma City snaps two-game losing streak
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jalen Williams made an immediate impact in his return from injury, scoring 15 of his 23 points in the second half to help the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 119–110 on Monday night.
Williams had missed 10 games with a hamstring strain, but looked sharp late as Oklahoma City pulled away in a physical contest defined by trips to the free-throw line and strong bench play. The Thunder snapped a two-game skid and improved after losing three of their previous five games.
‘The matchup featured two notable absences. Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat out with an abdominal injury, while the Lakers were again without Luka Doncic, sidelined by a mild hamstring strain.
Depth Carries Oklahoma City
Without their stars, the Thunder relied on balance and defense. Isaiah Joe scored 19 points off the bench, and Alex Caruso added 17 in a gritty return to Los Angeles. Chet Holmgren finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, punctuating the win with a crucial put-back dunk with 1:17 remaining.
Jaylin Williams also knocked down key jumpers as Oklahoma City broke open a tight game late in the fourth quarter. The Thunder and Lakers combined for 52 free throws, underscoring the game’s physical tone.
Lakers Fall at Home
LeBron James scored 22 points and dished 10 assists, with 14 of his points coming after halftime. But Los Angeles struggled defensively once again, seeing its three-game winning streak end and dropping to 14–9 at home.
Marcus Smart led the Lakers with 19 points, while Austin Reaves contributed 16 on a minutes restriction. Los Angeles could not keep pace with Oklahoma City’s energy in the final minutes.
New Faces, Lingering Injuries
Rookie guard Jared McCain, acquired from Philadelphia last week, scored on his first two possessions and finished with seven points in his second game with the Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to remain out through the All-Star Game in Inglewood, while the Lakers have yet to determine how long Doncic will be sidelined.
Up Next
- Thunder: at Phoenix on Wednesday
- Lakers: host San Antonio on Wednesday
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