Jalen Williams scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half in his return from a 10-game injury absence, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 119-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
The victory snapped a two-game skid for the Thunder, who again showed their depth while playing without reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City improved to an NBA-best mark despite missing its star, while Los Angeles saw its three-game winning streak come to an end.
With Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal injury) and NBA scoring leader Luka Dončić (hamstring strain) both sidelined, the game took on a physical tone, featuring 52 combined free throws. LeBron James led the Lakers with 22 points, scoring 14 in the second half, but Los Angeles struggled defensively down the stretch.
Jalen Williams, who had been out with a hamstring strain, and Jaylin Williams hit key jumpers late as Oklahoma City pulled away. Chet Holmgren added a timely put-back dunk with 1:17 remaining, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Isaiah Joe scored 19 points and Alex Caruso added 17 off the bench for the Thunder. Jared McCain, acquired from Philadelphia in a trade last week, scored on his first two possessions and finished with seven points in his second game with the team.
Marcus Smart led Los Angeles with 19 points, while Austin Reaves scored 16 points while playing under a minutes restriction. The loss dropped the Lakers to 14-9 at home.
Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to remain out through the All-Star Game this weekend in Inglewood, while the Lakers have yet to determine how long Dončić will be sidelined after missing his second straight game.
Up next:
Thunder at Phoenix on Wednesday.
Lakers host San Antonio on Wednesday.
