The Los Angeles Lakers will almost certainly not be able to defend their NBA Cup trophy after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder 93:101 at home tonight.
LeBron James and company triumphed in the inaugural edition of the tournament a year ago, but now they only have a theoretical chance to get out of their group. Thunder leader Shay Gilges-Alexander had another strong game and scored 36 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds for the victory, and Jaylen Williams added 19 points for the guests, who attempted 20 more shots than the opponent.
For the Lakers, rookie Dalton Necht was again at his best and made 6 three-pointers for a total of 20 points, but James and Anthony Davis did not have a strong day and scored a combined 27 points.
The Lakers now have two wins and two losses in the domestic tournament and a minimal chance of reaching the quarterfinals. The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a battle with the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns for first place in the group.
In the overall standings, the Thunder are leaders in the West with 15 wins and 4 losses, while the Lakers are in sixth place in the same conference with a balance of 11-8.
Other results:
Charlotte Hornets - New York Knicks 98:99
Atlanta Hawks - Cleveland Cavaliers 117:101
Memphis Grizzlies - New Orleans Pelicans 120:109
Minnesota Timberwolves - LA Clippers 93:92
Brooklyn Nets - Orlando Magic 100:123
Chicago Bulls - Boston Celtics 129:138
Miami Heat - Toronto Raptors 121:111
Indiana Pacers - Detroit Pistons 106:130
Portland Trail Blazers - Sacramento Kings 115:106. | BGNES
