By: Jennifer Portee
5/8/2026
Oklahoma City doesn’t need everything to be perfect they just need enough pieces clicking.
That’s what’s made them so dangerous in this series.
Even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander not putting up his usual scoring numbers, the Thunder are still firmly in control after a 125-107 win over the Lakers in Game 2. Shai finished with 22 points, matching Chet Holmgren, as Oklahoma City took a 2-0 lead while continuing to look like the more complete team.
What’s separating them isn’t just star power, it’s the full team showing up.
Holmgren has been steady on both ends, leading the series in scoring while controlling the paint with rebounding and rim protection. And while Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t needed to dominate offensively, he’s still dictating the flow in his own way, picking spots and trusting the system around him.
That system is showing up everywhere.
Ajay Mitchell, stepping in for the injured Jalen Williams, has been one of the biggest surprises of the series. He’s averaging 19 points on efficient shooting and playing with a level of confidence that fits right into Oklahoma City’s identity.
Jared McCain has also given the Thunder a major lift, knocking down shots at a high clip after barely seeing the floor in the first round. It’s the kind of contribution that keeps pressure on opposing defenses from every angle.
“We’ve got a lot of competitors,” Mitchell said. “When the moment comes, everybody’s ready.”
Game 2 turned in the third quarter, and it didn’t even require Shai on the floor.
After picking up his fourth foul early in the half, Gilgeous-Alexander went to the bench with the Thunder trailing. What followed was a defining stretch Oklahoma City outscored Los Angeles 32-15 during that span, flipping the game completely and taking control heading into the fourth.
Holmgren sparked the run, and the energy carried through the entire group. By the time Shai returned, the momentum had already shifted for good.
“That group knows how to win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “No matter who’s out there.”
The Lakers had strong individual efforts. Austin Reaves bounced back with 31 points, and LeBron James added 23. But without Luka Doncic still sidelined with a hamstring injury and with key rotation issues piling up, Los Angeles hasn’t been able to match Oklahoma City’s depth or pace.
They made a push late, cutting the lead to five in the fourth, but the Thunder quickly responded and put the game out of reach.
Now the series heads to Los Angeles, with the Lakers needing answers fast.
Because right now, Oklahoma City isn’t just winning they’re showing they can win in just about any way.