On May 12, in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 on the road, completing a 4-0 sweep and advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 35 points and 8 assists, while Mitchell added 28 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Holmgren contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds.
For the Lakers, LeBron James finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Rui Hachimura scored 25 points and grabbed 5 boards. Austin Reaves recorded 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, but also committed 8 turnovers. Jaxson Hayes chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds.
In the first quarter, Reaves scored 8 points on 2-of-2 from three-point range, and James added 6 points to lead the Lakers to a 26-21 advantage. Vanderbilt, who missed the previous two games with a finger injury, returned for this matchup.
The Thunder turned the tide in the second quarter. Caruso hit back-to-back three-pointers to give the Thunder the lead, and Mitchell stole the ball from Reaves and scored in transition, forcing a Lakers timeout. The Thunder unleashed a 17-0 run to open the period, while the Lakers’ offense went cold. James finally broke the drought by drawing a foul and hitting free throws. Hayes and Reaves scored consecutive baskets late in the quarter to cut into the deficit, but the Thunder held a 49-45 lead at halftime.
Gilgeous-Alexander shifted into scoring mode in the third quarter, while the Lakers leaned on James and Hachimura to keep pace. Reaves scored consistently later in the period, helping the Lakers take a 76-75 lead. Hayes also played with intensity, finishing a two-handed dunk over Holmgren. Unlike the previous three games, where the Lakers collapsed in the third quarter, they outscored the Thunder 39-31 this time. Hayes tipped in a basket with one hand at the end of the period, giving the Lakers an 84-80 lead entering the fourth.
The Thunder’s role players stepped up in the final frame. McCain knocked down consecutive three-pointers, and Mitchell converted an and-one against Smart to put the Thunder ahead 95-92. Oklahoma City extended the lead to six points before the Lakers fought back. Hachimura hit a 3-plus-1 over Holmgren. With 40.9 seconds remaining, Smart drove for a layup, drew a foul on Holmgren, and made the free throw to give the Lakers a 110-109 lead. Holmgren answered with a dunk to put the Thunder back on top 111-110. James missed a jumper, and Gil
