The Oklahoma City Thunder overpowered LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90 on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in their NBA Western Conference semi-final series.

A well-balanced offensive effort combined with a strong defensive showing from the reigning NBA champions secured the win over a depleted Lakers side. The visitors made a bright start but were unable to maintain their momentum, trailing for the final three quarters.

Chet Holmgren starred for the Thunder with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell each contributed 18 points in a commanding team performance.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted the Oklahoma City Thunder were “a little choppy” and “a little rusty” on offense, but praised his team’s ability to stay composed and stick with their game plan. He also highlighted a dominant defensive effort that held the Los Angeles Lakers to their lowest playoff score since 2021.

“We just try to make people play outside their comfort zone, as simple as that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Whatever guys like to do, we like to take away from them.”

The Thunder’s commanding win further highlighted the challenge facing the fourth-seeded Lakers, who now have a difficult task ahead if they hope to upset the reigning champions in the best-of-seven series.

Oklahoma City entered the series with complete control over the matchup, having swept the Lakers 4-0 in the regular season by an average margin of 29.3 points.

That dominance carried into Tuesday’s series opener at the Paycom Center, where the reigning champions again pulled away in the closing stages to secure a convincing victory.

LeBron James, who at 41 had inspired the Lakers to a surprise 4-2 first-round upset of the Houston Rockets, led Los Angeles with 27 points in a losing effort.

Rui Hachimura contributed 18 points, Marcus Smart added 12, and DeAndre Ayton finished with 10.

The Lakers also suffered an injury setback, with Jarred Vanderbilt dislocating his right pinky finger while attempting a block. His availability for Game 2 remains uncertain.