As the Thunder overcome the Lakers, Shai scores 42 points

After a fierce struggle in which Luka Doncic was controversially removed in the fourth quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 136-120 on Tuesday, led by 42 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander's 13th 40-point performance of the season, along with 26 points from Jalen Williams and 17 from Luguentz Dort, two days after the Lakers' 27-point loss, the top-ranked Thunder exact retribution.

The altercation in the fourth quarter that resulted in Slovenian star Doncic of the Lakers receiving a second technical foul and being sent off the court turned the game around. Despite finishing with 28 points, LeBron James was unable to provide an explanation for Doncic's expulsion. With a 48-31 record, the Lakers are still in third place and must win two of their last three games in the regular season to guarantee third seed in the Western Conference.