In Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 12, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder, facing elimination with a 3-0 series deficit. The Thunder, led by Mark Daigneault’s starting lineup of Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, Ajay Mitchell, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, aimed to close out the series. Jalen Williams remained sidelined with an injury. The Lakers, missing Luka Doncic, started Deandre Ayton (later corrected to Jaxson Hayes in the game log), Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Austin Reaves, hoping to force a Game 5 and avoid a sweep. The matchup drew intense attention as the Lakers sought to contain the backcourt duo of Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell, as well as Holmgren’s interior presence.
LeBron James delivered 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists, but the Thunder triumphed 115-110, completing a 4-0 sweep. James’ performance set an NBA record for the most 20-point double-doubles in a playoff elimination game (20), tying Wilt Chamberlain for the all-time lead. Despite his efforts, the Lakers fell short, with Austin Reaves committing eight turnovers and Rui Hachimura erupting for 25 points.
**Game Recap**
The first quarter saw back-and-forth action. Hayes scored on a putback, and Dort hit a three-pointer. LeBron and Smart missed from deep, while Mitchell scored inside. Hachimura hit a mid-range jumper, and Hartenstein countered with a layup. LeBron converted free throws, but Alexander and Dort responded. Reaves sparked a 9-0 run with five points and an assist to Hayes for a dunk, giving the Lakers a 26-21 lead after one.
In the second quarter, Caruso hit two threes, Mitchell stole from Reaves and dunked, forcing a Lakers timeout. Holmgren blocked Reaves, and Mitchell continued to score. The Thunder went on a 17-0 run, taking a 12-point lead. LeBron broke the drought with free throws, and Hayes scored inside. Alexander’s scoring kept the Thunder ahead, but Reaves and Smart helped cut the deficit. At halftime, the Thunder led 49-45.
The third quarter opened with Alexander and Mitchell trading baskets with Hachimura. Reaves’ turnovers fueled Thunder fast breaks, and a Wallace three pushed the lead to 12. LeBron and Hachimura answered with threes, but Alexander matched. Reaves’ fourth foul and Hayes’ dunk kept the Lakers close. Hachimura exploded for 12 points in the quarter, and the Lakers took an 84-80 lead into the fourth.
The final quarter was tense. LeBron scored on a tough jumper, but Mitchell and McCaine hit threes for the Thunder. Reaves responded with a step-back three. Alexander continued to score, and Hachimura’s three-plus-one kept the Lakers alive. With 40.9 seconds left, Smart hit a three-plus-one to cut the lead to one. Holmgren dunked, and LeBron missed a crucial hook shot. Hartenstein grabbed the rebound, Alexander hit free throws, and Reaves missed a game-tying three. Mitchell sealed the win with free throws, and the Thunder escaped with a 115-110 victory.
**Key Performances**
– **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**: 35 points, 1 rebound, 8 assists (22-of-27 FG)
– **Ajay Mitchell**: 28 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals (19-of-28 FG)
– **Chet Holmgren**: 16 points, 9 rebounds (9-of-15 FG)
– **Jaxson Hayes**: 18 points, 5 rebounds (8-of-10 FG)
– **Austin Reaves**: 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks but 8 turnovers (16-of-32 FG)
– **Rui Hachimura**: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block (15-of-25 FG, 8-of-16 from three)
**LeBron James’ Historic Milestone**
LeBron James played 40 minutes, scoring 24 points on 8-of-18 shooting, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing 3 assists. His 147th playoff double-double moved him past Wilt Chamberlain for third all-time in NBA history. Additionally, his 20th 20-point double-double in an elimination game ties Chamberlain for the most ever. Despite his heroic effort, the Lakers were swept, marking the fourth time in LeBron’s career he has been eliminated via sweep.
**Reaves’ Turnover Woes**
Austin Reaves scored 27 points on efficient shooting but committed eight turnovers, the most in the game. His defensive struggles against Mitchell and Alexander, combined with the turnovers, proved costly.
**Hachimura’s Explosive Game**
Rui Hachimura was a force, scoring 25 points on 60% shooting, including four three-pointers. He scored 21 points in the second half, leading the Lakers’ comeback attempt. His three-point shooting in the playoffs (58-of-102, 56.9%) set a Lakers franchise record for a single postseason (minimum 50 attempts). However, he was on the bench for the final possession after a timeout, a decision that sparked debate.
The Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals, awaiting the winner of the Spurs vs. Timberwolves series.
