OKLAHOMA City Thunder turned to point guard Chris Paul in the last two quarters to dominate the Los Angeles Lakers, 105-86.
Paul ignited with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assist during the 2019-2020 NBA season restart showdown of the two teams at Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, Florida, United States on Wednesday night (Thursday in Manila).
Italian Danilo Gallinari added 19 markers while Steven Adams contributed 18 marks for Oklahoma which is tied fifth place with Houston Rockets in the Western Conference for having a playoff picture record of 42 wins and 25 losses.
Oklahoma immediately made its impact in the opening half behind hits from Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Hamidou Diallo to establish a double-digit edge.
The lead stretched more for Oklahoma in the second half via Paul and Adams’ heroics. LeBron James finished the match for the Lakers with 19 points and 11 rebounds while Anthony Davis had an unfortunate outing with just nine marks.
The Lakers slumped to 51 wins and 16 losses but are still the No. 1 team in the Western Conference./PN
