Oklahoma City Thunder Beat Lakers in NBA Cup

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a crucial 101-93 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in their third NBA Cup group stage game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 36 points, including a pivotal 27-foot three-pointer in the final minutes, and contributed with nine assists and six rebounds. Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein also played significant roles, with Williams adding 19 points and Hartenstein achieving a double-double with 11 points and 18 rebounds. The Lakers, despite strong performances from Dalton Knecht and Anthony Davis, have been eliminated from advancing to the quarterfinals after dropping four of their last five games. The Thunder, now 2-1 in West Group B, need to win their remaining games and rely on the Phoenix Suns to beat the San Antonio Spurs to advance further in the tournament. The Lakers' loss impacts their position, leaving Phoenix, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City tied in the group standings.