The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder are playing championship basketball at its finest, and the Los Angeles Lakers are getting swept up in it. After a dominant 131-108 victory in Los Angeles, the Thunder stand just one win away from a sweep, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Folks, this isn't just a playoff series. This is a statement.
Ajay Mitchell, the second-year guard taken with pick 38, absolutely erupted for 24 points and 10 assists with a double-double that had the Crypto.com Arena crowd heading for the exits early. The young man shot 10-for-17 from the field and added three steals. When your second-round pick is dropping performances like this in the playoffs, you know you've got something special.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did what he does, adding 23 points, 9 assists, and 2 blocks with his usual efficient excellence. Chet Holmgren chipped in 18 points on 9-for-14 shooting. This is balanced, beautiful basketball.
The Thunder are now 7-0 in the playoffs, extending their franchise-record postseason winning streak to eight straight games dating back to last year's championship run. They're just the sixth reigning NBA champion in history to start a postseason 7-0 or better.
Charles Barkley literally brought out a broom on the Inside the NBA set and started sweeping the floor. That's the kind of dominance we're talking about here.
For the Lakers, LeBron James had 19 points but shot just 7-for-19. Rui Hachimura continued his scorching playoff shooting with 21 points on 5-for-8 from three, but it wasn't nearly enough. Deandre Ayton managed just one defensive rebound the entire game, and coach JJ Redick was seen mouthing "I can't play him" after yet another defensive breakdown.
The Thunder are suffocating teams on defense, balanced on offense, and playing with the swagger of a team that knows exactly who they are. Game 4 is Sunday, and unless something miraculous happens, we're looking at a sweep.
"They've kicked our ass 3 straight games," Redick said after the game. "They're an incredible basketball team."
That's what sports is all about, folks. When you're this good, even LeBron James tips his cap. The Thunder are special.
