Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing for a different kind of challenge heading into Game 2 of their Western Conference second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night in Oklahoma City.

Despite a quieter scoring night in Game 1, Gilgeous-Alexander remains unfazed by the Lakers’ defensive strategy. The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player was frequently double-teamed on Tuesday, limiting him to 18 points and seven turnovers in a 108-90 Thunder victory.

“Ultimately it’s the easiest form of basketball,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’d much rather do that than have to go one-on-one all night over somebody. My teammates on the back end playing four-on-three, it’s what you play for.”

It was a rare offensive dip for Gilgeous-Alexander, who had not been held under 20 points in 81 consecutive games dating back to last season’s Western Conference finals. Still, the Thunder found ways to win comfortably, showcasing their depth and adaptability.

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein emphasized how the team has grown comfortable operating under pressure defenses.

“We have a lot of guys who can make smart reads,” Hartenstein said. “We feel really comfortable when they’re trapping and just making the right reads out of that. Multiple guys that if we catch it in the pocket, it’s an easy read for us. So it’s just making sure that we give Shai outlets.”

One of Oklahoma City’s biggest advantages in Game 1 came on the offensive glass. The Thunder converted 12 offensive rebounds into 21 second-chance points, punishing the Lakers for their aggressive help defense.

Head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted how double-teams on Gilgeous-Alexander open opportunities elsewhere.

“They’re throwing two at Shai really early in possessions and, in order to do that, you get two guys on the ball and then you’ve got three guys off of bodies and rotating and that presents rebounding opportunities,” Daigneault said. “We need to be aggressive if the ball comes out of traps, in shooting or attacking, and then when we do shoot, we’ve got to chase the ball in those situations because there’s rebounds to be had.”

The Lakers continue to compete without star guard Luka Dončić, who is recovering from a hamstring injury suffered on April 2 against Oklahoma City. Dončić said he is progressing but did not provide a timeline for his return. He originally indicated an eight-week recovery window, which could align with the end of the Western Conference finals.

Veteran forward LeBron James stressed the need for offensive improvement after Los Angeles managed just 90 points, their lowest playoff total since the 2021 postseason.

“When you play against great defense, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times,” James said. “We missed shots. When you’re playing against the world champions, having a guy that averages 34, six and eight or nine assists, that’s special.”

James added that the Lakers must improve their execution and ball security moving forward.

“We have to be better at finding ways to get to the paint, not turning the ball over and shooting with confidence,” he said.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick also provided an update on forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who dislocated his right pinkie finger in Game 1. Vanderbilt is considered “day to day” and is listed as doubtful for Game 2. He has averaged 3.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 12 minutes per game during the postseason.

As both teams adjust heading into Game 2, the Thunder will look to maintain their defensive discipline and depth advantage, while the Lakers aim to generate more consistent offense and better support for James under Oklahoma City’s pressure-heavy schemes.

-Field Level Media/Reuters