Thunder Roll Over Luka Less Lakers 108-90 in Game 1 of Conference Semi Finals

After sweeping the Phoenix Suns in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder moved on to their Round 2 opponent, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers had beaten the Houston Rockets 4-2 in their opening round series, winning it despite not having Luka Doncic in the lineup. All Doncic did this season is average 33.5 points (best in the NBA), 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, so to say someone, or several someones will have to step up to replace him is a vast understatement. Doncic has been out since injuring his hamstring on April 2nd, and it’s still uncertain when he’ll be back.

He was definitely missed in Game 1 on May 5th against the Lakers, as OKC rolled to a 108-90 victory. This was despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring a season low 18 points. Chet Holmgren led the way for the Thunder with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while LeBron James led all scorers with 27. Game 2 is on May 7th.