Lakers Take Pride in Subpar SGA Performance Despite Game 1 Loss vs. the Thunder

The LA Lakers absorbed a tough defeat in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the OKC Thunder on Saturday. The Lakers lost 108-90 against the Thunder as they struggled to keep in step with the defending champions throughout the matchup. 

Despite the loss, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura provided a silver lining heading to Game 2. Hachimura pointed out the Lakers’ defensive assignment in containing MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was held to a season-low 18 points in Game 1. 

“He scored 18 points you know,” Hachimura said. “I think he hasn’t scored less than 20 points in a couple years or something right? We did a solid job but I think we could be better.”

The Lakers double-teamed Gilgeous-Alexander for the entirety of Game 1, reducing open looks and forcing him to give up the ball for long stretches. 

However, putting their attention on SGA, allowed other Thunder players to take over, such as Chet Holmgren, who had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and Ajay Mitchell, who put up 18 points. 

Hachimura wants to see the Lakers step up their defensive prowess in the next games, as Game 1 may have laid the groundwork for their schemes. 

“I think the game execution, how we got an SGA, actually. We were trying to double-team. I think a couple times we were just, you know, executing one who was coming to double team and where. We didn’t communicate well. I made a couple mistakes on that too. That’s the main things they’ll talk about,” he said. 

Game 1 was the first time Gilgeous-Alexander did not reach 20 points since last year’s Western Conference Finals Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the Thunder lost by 42 points. It was the only Thunder loss in that series. 

Series Is Not About Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lakers Star LeBron James Says

GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander and LeBron James clash in Thunder-Lakers series.

LeBron James, who led the Lakers with 27 points in Game 1, clarified that the Thunder is not a one-man show. According to James, the Lakers must also contain the Thunder’s supporting cast to have a chance in the series. 

“This ain’t Shai versus the Lakers, it’s Lakers versus the Thunder,” said James. “We’re down 1-0. That’s the main thing. Keep the main thing the main thing, and that’s who win or lose. That’s all it’s about.”

The Lakers threw different defenders at Gilgeous-Alexander throughout the game. It forced the Thunder star to commit seven turnovers in Game 1. He also only took 15 shots, eight of which he made. 

Offensively, the Lakers had a difficult time, getting their looks. Austin Reaves, in particular, was subpar in his performance, shooting 3-for-16 in the field to finish with eight points.

JJ Redick Points At Game Plan Mistakes In Game 1

GettyJJ Redick on Lakers’Game 1 loss to the Thunder.

JJ Redick pointed out some game plan mistakes that doomed them in Game 1 against the Thunder. 

“I don’t think there was a turning point,” Redick said, emphasizing that mistakes became a habit in the game. “I think it was a general theme throughout the night when we made game plan mistakes. They hurt us.”

Game 2 is expected to be an important one for the Lakers as they hope to carry momentum before the series shifts to Los Angeles. Game 2 is on Thursday, May 7.

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