JJ on the Thunder:
“They have a few guys that foul on every possession…they’re hard enough to play. You gotta be able to just call it if they foul and they do foul”
Getty
Head coach JJ Redick reaction on the Thunder fouls
The Los Angeles Lakers returned to Oklahoma City on Thursday, needing a split before the Western Conference semifinal series shifted back to Crypto.com Arena. Instead, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder moved within two wins of another conference finals appearance with a 125-107 victory at Paycom Center and a 2-0 series lead.
After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick directed his frustration toward the officiating crew while discussing Oklahoma City’s physical defensive style. Redick received a technical foul during the first half after arguing multiple non-calls involving Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes during a Thunder run late in the opening quarter.
“Yeah, I mean, I sarcastically said the other day they were the most disruptive team without fouling,” Redick said postgame. “I mean, they have a few guys that foul on every possession, and all the good defenses do.”
The Lakers again played without Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Despite a playoff career-high 31 points from Reaves, Los Angeles committed 21 turnovers that led to 26 Thunder points as Oklahoma City stayed unbeaten in the postseason.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers Head coach JJ Redick
Redick’s frustration became visible late in the first quarter when Oklahoma City closed the period on a 10-0 run. During a timeout with 1:26 remaining, the Lakers coach made contact with Hayes while arguing with officials, prompting referee Ben Taylor to assess him a technical foul.
Several Lakers players, including injured guard Luka Doncic, who was in the bench area, attempted to calm Redick during the exchange.
Following the loss, Redick specifically referenced what he believed were missed calls involving Thunder defenders.
“You know, SGA gets like a, I don’t even know, a touch foul, I guess, on the drive,” Redick said. “There was a stretch where four straight possessions, our guys got absolutely clobbered trying to make an entry pass to Jaxson, and Jalen Williams is grabbing his jersey with both arms.”
JJ on the Thunder:
“They have a few guys that foul on every possession…they’re hard enough to play. You gotta be able to just call it if they foul and they do foul”
Redick added, “They’re hard enough to play. They’re hard enough to play. You’ve got to be able to just call it if they foul, and they do foul.”
LeBron James also showed frustration with several calls throughout the night. During the second quarter, James argued an offensive foul call against former teammate Alex Caruso after driving to the basket. Later in the game, James appeared upset after contact on a baseline drive against Jaylin Williams did not result in an and-one opportunity.
James finished with 23 points and six assists while Reaves rebounded from his Game 1 struggles with an efficient scoring performance. Rui Hachimura added 16 points for Los Angeles.
The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field overall, but Oklahoma City’s defense forced repeated turnovers during critical stretches, particularly in the third quarter.
GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dealt with foul trouble for much of the night, Oklahoma City still controlled the second half behind its depth and transition offense.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 points in 28 minutes after picking up his fourth foul early in the third quarter during a play involving Reaves. Officials upgraded the offensive foul to a Flagrant 1 after review, and Reaves converted three free throws to briefly give the Lakers a five-point lead.
The Thunder responded immediately.
Without Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor, Oklahoma City erupted for a 25-7 run that changed the game. Jaylin Williams delivered a four-point play, while Ajay Mitchell continued his strong postseason with 20 points. Rookie Jared McCain added 18 points off the bench.
Chet Holmgren finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two blocks as Oklahoma City improved to 6-0 in the playoffs despite still missing All-Star forward Jalen Williams because of a hamstring injury.
The Thunder bench outscored the Lakers’ reserves 48-20.
After the Lakers cut the deficit to 99-94 midway through the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City answered with a 12-1 run fueled by consecutive three-pointers from Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Lakers now return home trailing 0-2 in the best-of-seven series. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday night in Los Angeles.
Debayan Biswas is a sports writer covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He focuses on breaking news, trades, and player stories. His work has been featured by Athlon Sports and Pro Football and Sports Network, with republication across platforms including Yahoo Sports and Yardbarker. More about Debayan Biswas
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