Lakers still seeking answers as Thunder seize 3-0 grip on West semifinal series
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LOS ANGELES — May 9, 2026 — The Los Angeles Lakers again lost control after halftime Saturday night, falling 131-108 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Crypto.com Arena. The defending NBA champions now lead the best-of-seven series 3-0 and remain unbeaten in this postseason.
For the third straight game, Los Angeles held its own through two quarters before Oklahoma City dominated the third. The Lakers were up 59-57 at intermission, but the Thunder outscored them by 13 in the next 12 minutes and never looked back. In Game 2, L.A. led 58-57 at halftime before Oklahoma City used a 14-point third-quarter edge to secure a 125-107 victory. Through three contests, the Thunder own a 31-point cumulative advantage in the third period.
“I thought we played really good the first half,” guard Austin Reaves said. “That’s kind of been the trend the last couple games — just gotta figure out how to take that first half and move it to the second.”
Pressed on why the Lakers routinely unravel after the break, Reaves admitted he has no immediate explanation. “If I had the answers, we would not be struggling,” he added.
Reaves, five games removed from a Grade 2 left oblique strain that sidelined him nearly a month, shot 5-for-13 Saturday. He led Los Angeles with nine assists but also committed a game-high five turnovers against the Thunder’s physical, switchable defense.
The Lakers must win Monday night to avoid elimination and attempt to become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit.
Source: LakersNation.com
