The “perfect” fit Reaves mentioned was on full display at Crypto.com Arena. The Thunder operated with surgical precision that left the Lakers’ defence scrambling. Rookie Ajay Mitchell spearheaded the attack with a game-high 24 points, while superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander controlled the tempo with 23 points and eight assists. Jalen Williams also fueled the fire, chipping in 18 points as OKC improved to a flawless 7-0 this postseason.
On the other side, the Lakers looked like a collection of individuals rather than a cohesive unit. Reaves finished with a gritty 17 points and nine assists, but his efforts couldn't mask the team's defensive lapses. Rui Hachimura led L.A. with 21 points, and LeBron James provided 19 points and eight assists, but the Lakers simply couldn't buy a stop in the second half.
With Game 4 looming on Monday, the Lakers have one last chance to save face and avoid the brooms. However, as Reaves pointed out, beating a team that plays this “connected” requires a level of execution the Purple and Gold haven't shown yet. If they don't find it fast, their season will end in a quiet sweep.