NBA Playoffs: Thunder edge Lakers, Pistons defeat Cavaliers

Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons Take 2-0 Leads in NBA Playoff Semifinals

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 125-107, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 points for the Thunder, who capitalized on 21 Lakers turnovers to secure the win.

In another matchup, the Detroit Pistons took a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 107-97 home victory. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 25 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, and handed out 10 assists.

The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was supported by Chet Holmgren, who scored 22 points and pulled down nine rebounds, Ajay Mitchell added 20 points, and Jared McCain delivered 18 points off the bench. The Lakers were led by Austin Reaves’ 31-point performance, but struggled to overcome the absence of Luka Doncic.

The Thunder produced a 22-5 scoring run to seize control in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of the Lakers’ mistakes. Oklahoma City will look to maintain pressure on the series when it shifts to Los Angeles for games three and four on Saturday and Monday.

In Detroit, Cade Cunningham’s dominant performance was key to securing the win. The Pistons set a defensive tone early but had to rally late after the Cavaliers battled back. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 31 points, but James Harden struggled with just 10 points on three-of-13 shooting.

The Pistons will look to maintain their home-court advantage in the series when they head to Cleveland for games three and four on Saturday and Monday.

Source: Al Jazeera