JJ Redick cites defensive lapses as Lakers drop Game 1 to Thunder
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Oklahoma City, OK — May 5, 2026 — The Los Angeles Lakers opened the Western Conference semifinals with a 108-90 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center, falling behind 1-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Head coach JJ Redick said the defeat stemmed from repeated breakdowns in the game plan rather than a single turning point.
“When we made game-plan mistakes, they hurt us,” Redick told reporters postgame. “You’re playing the world champs; your margin for error is not that high. Basketball is full of mistakes, but there were just too many tonight.”
Defensive execution falls short
Redick pointed to coverage issues and second-chance points as primary problems. He noted that every missed assignment on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or on the glass resulted in Thunder scores. Oklahoma City’s surge in the fourth quarter turned a close contest into an 18-point victory.
Despite the loss, Redick highlighted positives: the Lakers’ internal analytics showed they “won expected score,” and they held Gilgeous-Alexander under 20 points while forcing seven turnovers.
Offense still seeking conversion
Los Angeles shot 42 percent from the field and produced only 90 points, yet Redick said the team generated quality looks. “Now the key will be converting that expected score into the actual one,” he said.
Vanderbilt injured
The Lakers also lost forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who suffered a full dislocation of his right pinky finger during the game. The team did not provide an immediate timetable for his return.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.
Source: Lakers Nation
