Thunder sweep Lakers, reach West Finals for 2nd straight year

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Thunder sweep Lakers, reach West Finals for 2nd straight year image

Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

The Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the 2026 Western Conference Finals after they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 of their West semis series on Tuesday (PH time) at Crypto.com Arena.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander starred for the defending champs, scoring 35 points and issuing 8 assists. He shot 11-for-22 from the field and 12-for-15 from the free-throw line. Ajay Mitchell added 28 points for the Thunder, who swept the best-of-seven series 4-0.

The victory didn't come easy for the Thunder as the Lakers launched a furious fightback in the second half. They finished the third quarter on a 26-12 run to turn a 58-68 deficit into an 84-80 lead.

Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images

The Lakers remained in control in the closing stages of the contest, with Marcus Smart giving LA the lead following a three-point play conversion with 40.9 seconds left.

OKC held its composure down the stretch, though, finishing the contest on a 6-0 run to remain unbeaten in this year's playoffs.

Austin Reaves led the way for the Lakers, amassing 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. LeBron James also contributed in what could be his final NBA game, posting his 147th playoff double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds.

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