The Los Angeles Lakers easily defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, 12 to 1, in a contest that never truly appeared that close. Ahead of star newcomer Chet Holmgren, Anthony Davis had a mundane evening at the office, averaging 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks on 7-for-12 shooting.

Furthermore, this marked the third consecutive victory in which the Lakers prevailed over the Thunder.

Throughout the season, the Thunder have been among the top teams in the league. They are 0.5 games behind the Western Conference leaders and the second-place teams in the NBA with a 42-19 record. However, they are unable to comprehend the Lakers, who account for three of their nineteenth losses. Furthermore, given the Lakers’ present strugglе for position at the bottom of the Western Conference playoff standings, it is not implausible that they could face the Thunder in the first round.

Although the Lakers do not place undue emphasis on particular contests, Davis finds solace in their 3-1 record against the Thunder, as it suggests that despite their seeding, they may be able to replicate the triumphs they achieved in the previous season in the playoffs.

“Indeed, it is absolutely about us. We are on the verge of falling slightly behind the eight-ball, but we are still in the Һunt. Davis stated, “Even if we do not make the top six, we will have to go through the entire Play-In process again.” “Our preference is not overly concerned with the seed we choose to sow.” We demonstrated last year that it makes no difference. This, I believe, applies to everyone; all that matters is making the playoffs a distinct animal after you’ve qualified. “We don’t consider it because we want to have this matchup in this matchup; from there, it’s simply about getting in and tackling each opponent.”

The Lakers have an ideal opportunity to make up ground within the following week, should they choose to do so. As the No. 7 seed, the Sacramento Kings, who are 1.5 games ahead of them, will face them in two of their final four contests. Two victories have the potential to completely alter the Play-In Tournament standings.

“That game is absolutely crucial,” Davis stated. “They will be performed twice within the next week or so.” That is going to be a monumental contest, followed by another monumental game the following week. It is time for us to proceed with our business at hand.”

The Lakers are closer to the top six of the Western Conference than they have been in months, and it all begins with their victory over the conference’s finest team, the Thunder.

Darvin Ham believes the Lakers’ Thunder defense was the most effective of the season.

The Thunder rank third-best in the NBA in terms of оffensive rating, averaging 121 points per game. However, the Lakers limited Oklahoma City to 104 points on 39.4% shooting, with a particularly tight defense in the first half that restricted the visitors to 43 points on 30.6% shooting.

Darvin Ham subsequently lauded the Lakers’ defensive effort, particularly in the beginning.

After the victory, Ham remarked, “I told them at halftime that was the best defensive half I’ve seen all season.” “The manner in which we fought to maintain possession of the ball, our activity and shifts after the initial defender, assistance at the rim, and effective rebounding.”