Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took a step back from his usual scoring load, only putting up 18 points as the LA Lakers’ defense zeroed in on him throughout the OKC Thunder’s Game 1 win, 108-90, on Tuesday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander attracted double teams as soon as he reached the half-court, forcing him to swing the ball on multiple occasions. The Thunder, however, seemed ready and equipped for the Lakers’ defensive plans as they found the openings and drained relatively easy shots to dominate the Lakers in the series opener.
Shortly after Game 1, Gilgeous-Alexander detailed how he answered the Lakers’ defensive challenge throughout the matchup.
“Tonight was very simple. Multiple bodies, that means multiple people are open,” he said during the post-game interview with NBC.
“They stuck with it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of his teammates. “We’re a little rusty tonight offensively. We just stuck with it and made plays. They are obviously sending a lot of bodies at me. Those guys step into the plate confidently, and that’s all you could ask for.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “Tonight was very simple. Multiple bodies, that means multiple people are open.”
(via @NBAonNBC)
Chet Holmgren topped the scoring for the Thunder with 24 points, on top of 12 rebounds and three blocks, benefitting from the gravity Gilgeous-Alexander exuded in Game 1. Ajay Mitchell also had 18 points for the Thunder as the secondary ball handler in lieu of the injured Jalen Williams.
Jared McCain also had 12 points built on four 3-point makes as Gilgeous-Alexander’s paint touches and Lakers’ double teams allowed him to shoot open triples in just 15 minutes in the game. Fellow shooter Isaiah Joe tallied nine points in 11 minutes.
It was a relatively bad game for Gilgeous-Alexander, who shot 8-of-15 from the field and had six assists, albeit with seven turnovers in 35 minutes of playing time.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflects on Lakers’ double teams
GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander reflects on getting doubled in the playoffs.
The Lakers resorted to double teams to try to contain Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 1. While it did not result in a win, it held Gilgeous-Alexander to below 20 points for the first time this season.
Gilgeous-Alexander had no problem with what the Lakers are doing, as it still gave the Thunder advantages in the backline.
“It’s the simplest way to play basketball. I prefer my teammates to be in 4-on-3 situations rather than me doing 1-on-1 all game,” he said. “Every play, the goal remains the same: find an advantage and exploit it. And we did it well tonight.”
Gilgeous-Alexander faced numerous defenders in Game 1, such as Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Jake LaRavia. But when the double team came, Gilgeous-Alexander remained patient and trusted the Thunder to make the right plays.
It remains to be seen how the Lakers would adjust their defensive scheme against Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 2, a game that could be crucial in their playoff lives.
Thunder-Lakers Playoffs Schedule
GettyThunder and Lakers head to Game 2.
Game 2 between the Thunder and the Lakers will be on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City.
A win by the Lakers could shift the series’ momentum to their side before heading to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4.
After Game 1, the Thunder, which has yet to lose a game in this year’s NBA playoffs, remains the heavy favorites against the Lakers in the series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Details Perfect Counter To Lakers’ Defensive Plan in Game 1