The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their spot in the Conference Finals by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers for the fourth consecutive time in the NBA Playoffs, ending the season for LeBron James and his squad. The Thunder triumphed 115-110 in Game 4 on the Lakers’ home court, completing a resounding 4-0 series sweep.
After steamrolling the Phoenix Suns in the first round with four straight wins, Oklahoma City has now posted an unblemished 8-0 record in the postseason. The defending champions, featuring German center Isaiah Hartenstein, will enjoy a break for the remainder of the week while waiting for their opponent in the Western Conference Finals. The series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves is currently deadlocked at 2-2.
The Lakers, who have lost six of their last seven playoff games, gave the top-seeded Thunder their toughest contest of the series. Marcus Smart put Los Angeles ahead with 40 seconds left, but Chet Holmgren attacked the rim and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all scorers with 35 points, sealed the win for OKC in the final seconds.
Luka Doncic was unavailable for the Lakers, having been absent since April 2 due to a thigh injury. LeBron James led his team with 24 points and 12 rebounds, but missed a crucial chance to put the Lakers back in front with 20 seconds remaining.
Did LeBron James just play his final playoff game? The 41-year-old once again left his future uncertain after the contest. “I don’t know what the future holds for me,” he told the Associated Press. “I have plenty of time now. I’ll go home, recharge with my family, and discuss it with them.” The star-studded Lakers franchise, which was viewed as a potential title contender especially after acquiring Doncic, missed the Western Conference Finals for the third straight year.