Thunder score 123 to close in on top spotImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored for the Thunder against the LakersByElizabeth HudsonBBC Sport JournalistPublished8 minutes agoThe Oklahoma City Thunder are within reach of clinching the NBA’s Western Conference top spot for the third season running after thrashing the Los Angeles Lakers for the second time in six days.A 123-87 victory on Tuesday means the Thunder are one win – or one San Antonio Spurs loss – from ensuring they finish top.The Lakers had lost 139-96 to the defending NBA champions on Thursday – one of their heaviest defeats in their history.
This time, despite being without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, they stayed with the Thunder into the second quarter before their opponents scored 23 points – conceding just five – in the final seven minutes and 16 seconds of the half to take control.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points in 28 minutes – extending to 139 his record for most consecutive games with 20 or more points – as his side secured their sixth consecutive win and their 18th in 19 games.
The defeat for the Lakers was their third in a row – they fall behind the Denver Nuggets in the chase for third spot in the Conference.
Rui Hachimura led the home side with 15 points with no other Lakers player scoring more than 11.
