Best images from Thunder's 119-110 win over Lakers
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In the eyes of Lakers coach JJ Redick, every team his group faces is a test. Still, many wondered if the Lakers’ litmus test would come from facing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have announced that their All-NBA swingman, Jalen Williams, will return against the Los Angeles Lakers after being sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Even without star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City held on in a high-intensity back-and-forth battle and finished with a 119-110 victory. Seven Thunder players scored in double figures, and the team outscored the Lakers 26-19 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
After LeBron James dominated the third quarter against the Thunder, the Lakers failed to replicate that in the fourth.
NBA expansion may be on the horizon. Here's a look at how the addition of two teams could impact Oklahoma City.
The sharpshooter Luka Doncic had all eyes on him during the Lakers’ February 5 matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. After 15 minutes of action, Doncic went back to the Lakers’ locker room in discomfort. He was dealing with a hamstring issue.
The NBA is reportedly investigating OKC for player absences due to injury during its nationally-televised road game against San Antonio.
Oklahoma City has the potential to bolster its roster by adding more young depth pieces in the upcoming NBA Draft.
The Oklahoma City Thunder face the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA regular-season matchup that promises high-level competition from both franchises, but a key question arises: Why aren’t Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing?