\n<\/p>\n
The Oklahoma City Thunder proved too strong for the Los Angeles Lakers to take a 1-0 lead in the NBA’s Conference semi-finals.<\/b><\/p>\n
The defending champions are the Western Conference’s top seed and made a strong start to the best-of-seven series with a 108-90 win at home on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The Thunder produced a balanced offensive performance while their defence restricted the Lakers to their lowest score in a play-off game since 2021.<\/p>\n
LeBron James claimed a game-high 27 points for the Lakers while Chet Holmgren led the Thunder with 24 points and 12 rebounds.<\/p>\n
The NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell added 18 points apiece for the hosts.<\/p>\n
“You’re playing the world champs, your margin for error in terms of mistakes is not that high,” said Lakers head coach JJ Redick.<\/p>\n
“[There were] just too many tonight. We’ve got to clean that up.”<\/p>\n
LA guard Luka Doncic remained out with a hamstring injury and could also miss game two on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The Detroit Pistons drew first blood in their series with the Cleveland Cavaliers, holding off a late rally to claim a 111-101 home win.<\/p>\n
Cade Cunningham scored 23 points for the Eastern Conference’s top seed Detroit, with Tobias Harris adding 20.<\/p>\n
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 23 points while James Harden added 22 but had seven turnovers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n