Thunder Defeat Lakers to Advance, Ending LA’s Playoff Hopes

Prior to the Lakers wrapping up their first-round playoff series against the Rockets, coach JJ Redick shed light on the challenges that come with closing out games.

“You have to finish them off,” Redick remarked. “It’s tough to finish someone off. The instinct to survive compels you to fight for life. So, you must be able to finish them off. That’s the essence of it.”

This urgency was demonstrated by the Lakers during Monday’s Game 4 against the Thunder at Crypto.com Arena, especially with their season hanging in the balance.

Ultimately, however, the Thunder brought the Lakers’ 2025-26 season to an end, defeating them 115-110 in Game 4 and eliminating them from the playoffs.

With each critical fourth-quarter shot from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell, the Thunder delivered crushing blows to the Lakers.

The Lakers kept responding, not letting anything take away from their fight, getting big plays from everyone on the floor late. 

But there were too many daggers to recover from.

The Lakers didn’t score in the final 30 seconds. And the Thunder got dunks from Chet Holmgren and pairs of free throws from Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell to close out Game 4.

Austin Reaves (27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), Rui Hachimura (25 points), LeBron James (24 points, 12 rebounds) and Jaxson Hayes (18 points, 5 rebounds) all came up big late.

But the Thunder still delivered. And were simply better for the entire series.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points and eight assists.

Mitchell added 28 points on 12-of-19 shooting, while Holmgren added 16 points and nine rebounds.

What it means

The Lakers’ season ended with a four-game sweep to the defending champions — just the fourth time in James’ career his team has been swept in the playoffs. 

The Thunder will face either the Spurs or Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.

Turning point 

When Jared McCain hit a 3-pointer to cut the Lakers’ lead from 89-84 to three with 8:24 left in the fourth. 

It provided a screeching halt to the Lakers’ momentum that they carried over from the third quarter, which they won 39-31.

MVP: Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning league MVP saved his best game for the end of the series. 

Gilgeous-Alexander shot 11-for-22 from the field and 12-for-15 on free throws. He and Mitchell combined for 19 of the Thunder’s 35 points in the fourth quarter.

Stat of the game: 19

Taking care of the ball was an emphasis entering the series.

The Lakers once again failed to do that, turning the ball over 19 times. 

The Thunder scored 22 points off of the Lakers’ giveaways. 

Up next

Exit interviews for the Lakers.