In Game 1 of the second-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a surprisingly quiet night.
Checking in for 35 minutes, the star guard went 8-15 from the field and only 2-3 from the charity stripe to score just 18 points.
With that total, it was Gilgeous-Alexander’s lowest scoring mark since Game 3 of the 2025 Western Conference Finals.
Could the Lakers take that as a plus coming away from their Game 1 defeat?
LeBron James Makes One Thing Clear on SGA’s Game
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
“We’re down 1-0. This ain’t Shai vs. the Lakers, it’s Lakers vs. the Thunder,” James told reporters after the game, when presented with the stat.
“We’re down 1-0. That’s the main thing. Keep the main thing the main thing, and that’s who wins or loses. That’s all it’s about.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 18: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 18, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Thunder won 121-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
In addition to his scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander came down with three rebounds. He dished out six assists, but turned the ball over seven times.
For an MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t have the strongest showing in Game 1. At the end of the day, it didn’t make much of a difference.
The Lakers Are Trailing
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The Lakers are trailing 0-1 with a 108-90 loss against the Thunder on Tuesday night.
Clearly, James doesn’t take any pride in the fact that his team slowed down the MVP. They let up in other areas, like allowing Chet Holmgren to pick up a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, or even allowing Jared McCain shot 4-5 from three, producing 12 points off the bench.
Meanwhile, the Lakers saw one of their top scorers struggle. Austin Reaves went 3-16 from the field and 0-5 from the line. While LeBron turned in a strong performance with 27 points, six assists, four rebounds, and one steal, it didn’t make a difference in the end.
The defending champions are one game closer to defending their title. The Lakers have to bounce back on Thursday for Game 2.