Thunder Beat Lakers 119-110 Without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder Win Without Their Star

The Oklahoma City Thunder proved they are true champions Monday night. They beat the Lakers 119-110 without their best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The defending champs showed their depth against Los Angeles.

Caruso Catches Fire

Alex Caruso played like a superhero for Oklahoma City. He made shot after shot, hitting 87.5% from the field. Caruso finished with 17 points in just 24 minutes. Every time he rose up for a jumper, the ball seemed to find the net. His quick hands on defense made the Lakers work for everything.

Isaiah Joe also stepped up big time. He scored 19 points and knocked down shots from deep. With their star guard sitting out, Joe showed why the Thunder have so many weapons.

Holmgren Controls the Paint

Chet Holmgren stood tall in the middle like a giant redwood tree. The seven-footer grabbed 10 rebounds and swatted away two shots. He scored 13 points on 50% shooting. His long arms changed shots all night long.

Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 23 points. Cason Wallace ran the offense smoothly with six assists and added 12 points.

LeBron Battles Hard

LeBron James did everything he could for Los Angeles. The 40-year-old legend posted 22 points and dished out 10 assists. He made more than half his shots and kept the Lakers close. Watching LeBron pass the ball is like watching an artist paint.

Marcus Smart added 19 points for the Lakers. Austin Reaves chipped in 16 points and seven assists. Rui Hachimura scored 12 points efficiently.

Champions Stay Strong

The Thunder improved to 41-13 and stayed number one in the Western Conference. They won on the road without their MVP candidate. Oklahoma City showed why they are the team to beat this season. The Lakers fell to 32-20 as they search for answers.