Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder past the Lakers in the NBA Cup

On November 30, 2024By Littum

LOS ANGELES — When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said his life was consistent, maybe even he didn’t think it could get so deep.

On Friday, with his Thunder after having forgettable offense and a pair of free throws, Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up his defender while ahead by one.

Then Gilgeous-Alexander moved up from deep, a shot that has slowly become a signature. One he has nurtured and given affection to, especially this week. He rose from the same place, around the same time, and with the same effort as Wednesday’s victory.

And on Friday 101-93 NBA Cup win over Lakers in Los Angeleshe found the bottom of the net in the same way.

Most of the game had been a melting pot of grotesque offense. 3-point shooting hardly worth bragging about, fruitless drives.

The Thunder made 17 more field goals in the paint than the Lakers, making just 48.7% of their 39 paint attempts.

Gilgeous-Alexander has benefited greatly from the return of Isaiah Hartenstein, giving the teams action worth its salt. Jalen Williams, who left Wednesday’s game early, was available as a threat. But the Lakers blew a lot of it.

As can be, when OKC’s offense looks hollow, it was Gilgeous-Alexander and the rim. He relentlessly attacked the Lakers, posting 36 points and nine assists on 13-for-28 shooting.

In the fourth quarter, he went 6 for 7 from the free throw line. Prior to Isaiah Hartenstein’s final pair of free throws, SGA accounted for 80.8% of the team’s points.

Bodies down, stakes raised, and still the same Gilgeous-Alexander. Somehow still incomplete in coach Mark Daigneault’s words, and yet typically on time.

Sometimes creepy.

Daigneault set the pitch for Friday’s game as early as two hours before.

The Thunder coach has been baffled by his team’s lack of free throws. He is doubly aware of the reputation the Lakers have built as a free-throw fortress.

“I mean, they shot 507 more free throws than their opponents last season, 476 the season before,” Daigneault said prior to Friday’s win. “They’re +97 this year. Those are just huge, huge numbers, and the free throw line is the most efficient shot you can take on the court. They get the most efficient shot. They get to the bonus quicker and then they put their defense more . And those numbers are differences. They’re not just prices.”

He entered the game with an open mind, equipped with the information. Daigneault has been vocal about his respect and love for the officials he shared time with in the G League, who are now in the NBA. A mutual respect.

But Daigneault’s interactions with Eric Dalen, or any member of the Friday crew, weren’t exactly romantic.

At halftime, Daigneault was furious. The Lakers had attempted 12 free throws, while OKC had only attempted two. Friday appeared to be another data point.

In the fourth quarter, Daigneault was calm. His team made 13 of its 16 free throw attempts on the night. Gilgeous-Alexander was the primary culprit.

Thunder vs. Lakers live scores updates

The NBA Cup group stage standings (play starts Friday):

What time is Thunder vs. Lakers

Date: Friday 29 Nov
Time: 9 p.m. CT
Where: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles

What channel is Thunder vs Lakers on today?

TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network
How to watch online: Fubo (Free Trial)
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM

Thunder vs. Lakers odds

Odds lent by via BetMGM from and including Thursday 28 Nov

Odds: Lakers with 1.5

Above/below: 229.5

Money line: Los Angeles -110 | OKC -110

OKC Thunder roster

Alex Caruso, PG
Ousmane Dieng, SF
Luguentz Dort, SG
Alex Ducas, SG *
Adam Flagler, PG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG
Isaiah Hartenstein, C
Chet Holmgren, PF
Isaiah Joe, SG
Dillon Jones, SF
Ajay Mitchell, SG *
Alex Reese, PF
Nikola Topić, PG
Cason Wallace, SG
Aaron Wiggins, SG
Jalen Williams, SG
Jaylin Williams, PF
Kenrich Williams, PF

*-two-way contract

OKC Thunder schedule

November 29: at LA Lakers at 9 p.m. (ESPN)

December 1: in Houston, at

December 3: Utah, at 19.00

December 5: in Toronto at 18.30

December 7: in New Orleans, at

December 19: in Orlando, at 18.00 (TNT)

Thunder vs Lakers highlights

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