LOS ANGELES — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an impressive performance, scoring 36 points, with 15 of those coming in the crucial fourth quarter, as the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 101-93 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA Cup game on Friday evening.

Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored 30 or more points in five of the last six games, showcasing his consistent offensive prowess. Jalen Williams contributed significantly, adding 19 points to help propel the Thunder to their fourth consecutive win.

On the opposing side, Dalton Knecht was a highlight for the Lakers, tallying 20 points, including five three-pointers. D’Angelo Russell contributed 17 points off the bench, but the team has struggled lately, suffering four losses in their last five games.

This defeat means that the Lakers, who won the inaugural NBA Cup tournament last year, will not be able to advance to the quarterfinals this time around. Currently, the standings in West Group B show Phoenix, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City all at 2-1, while the Lakers sit at 2-2.

The game remained competitive until the final moments, with the Lakers narrowing the gap to just one point. However, a timely three-pointer from Gilgeous-Alexander with 1:35 left on the clock pushed the Thunder ahead 95-91, giving them a critical edge.

Among the highlights for the Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein delivered a strong performance, finishing with 11 points and a season-high 18 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. For the Lakers, Anthony Davis recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds, while LeBron James added 12 points to the score.

A pivotal moment in the game occurred when the Lakers had a chance to close the gap, trailing by four points with just 22.4 seconds left. However, a poor pass from Austin Reaves was intercepted by Williams, resulting in an easy dunk that extended Oklahoma City’s lead to 99-93 and effectively sealed the game.

In terms of statistics, the Lakers struggled with ball control, committing four of their 17 turnovers in the final quarter. Meanwhile, the Thunder matched a season-high by securing 15 offensive rebounds, which played a crucial role in their victory.

Looking ahead, the Thunder will travel to Houston on Sunday for their next matchup, while the Lakers are set to face off against Utah on the same day.