The OKC Thunder swept the Lakers in Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs and are now awaiting their next opponent, either the Spurs or Timberwolves. Players Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain are highlighted for their impressive performances.
Key points
OKC Thunder swept the Lakers in Round 2
Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain excelled in the playoffs
Thunder awaits either Spurs or Timberwolves in Round 3
The team has a week off before the next game
OKC ThunderLos Angeles LakersSan Antonio SpursMinnesota Timberwolves
OKC Thunder stock report: Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain soaring in NBA Playoffs
Another round, another sweep, another week off for the Thunder.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for a tip off during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Q&A
How did the OKC Thunder perform in the NBA Playoffs Round 2?
The OKC Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers in Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs.
Who are Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain in the context of the Thunder's playoff success?
Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain are players for the OKC Thunder noted for their strong performances during the NBA Playoffs.
Who will the OKC Thunder face in Round 3 of the NBA Playoffs?
The OKC Thunder will face either the San Antonio Spurs or the Minnesota Timberwolves in Round 3.
What does the Thunder's sweep of the Lakers mean for their playoff chances?
The Thunder's sweep of the Lakers gives them a week off and positions them favorably as they advance to the next round of the playoffs.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives with the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: A detailed view of Los Angeles Lakers themed T-shirts prior to Game Four against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up prior to Game Four against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to Game Four against Oklahoma City Thunder in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for a tip off during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
1 / 11
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for a tip off during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
2 / 11
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
3 / 11
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
4 / 11
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives with the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
6 / 11
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
7 / 11
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
8 / 11
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: A detailed view of Los Angeles Lakers themed T-shirts prior to Game Four against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
10 / 11
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up prior to Game Four against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to Game Four against Oklahoma City Thunder in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Mitchellâs stock rose after Round 1. Now itâs soaring, but buy in if you still can.
The Jalen Brunson comps are almost too easy to make. Mitchell is playing like a guy who could have his own team. Donât kill me for this comp, but there are shades of James Harden in both his game and role with the Thunder.
The big difference: Harden was a No. 3 pick. Mitchell was a No. 38 pick.
Itâs also evident that Mitchell has been an observant understudy of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The downhill nature of their games. The ways in which they play slow, yet always seem to blow by defenders. Their knack for mid-range jumpers. Their herky-jerkyâness. Their touch around the rim. Their cool composure.
Iâm not saying Mitchell is going to be an MVP on par with Gilgeous-Alexander or Harden. But if you set the line at 0.5 All-Star appearances, give me the over.
He just averaged 22 points on 56% shooting in a four-game sweep of the Lakers. He shot 67% from inside the arc and 88% from the foul line. He dished 24 assists against four turnovers.
Thatâs star-level stuff.
And when Jalen Williams (another guy who could run his own team) comes back, Mitchell is likely to come off the bench.
Daryl Moreyâs quote about the Sixers âselling highâ on Jared McCain is becoming more infamous by the day.
I have little room to talk. I thought McCain was a good buy-low for the Thunder from a long-term standpoint. I did not, however, envision him having much of a role in the playoffs.
But after shooting 12 of 19 from 3-point range (a cool 63%) in the Lakers series, itâs time for me to admit defeat for that take.
McCain is an A+ 3-point shooter, but thereâs more to his game than that. He plays with an all-around verve that seems to energize his teammates and certainly the home crowd.
McCain scored 12 points in 22 minutes in Round 1. In the same number of games, he scored 48 points in 56 minutes in Round 2.
Isaiah Joe had the best season of his career. He leveled up as a movement 3-point shooter. He got even feistier defensively.
But McCainâs rise correlated with Joeâs fall. That was true in the Lakers series, at least. Of course it could flip in the West Finals.
Joe averaged nine more minutes per game than McCain in Round 1. McCain averaged three more minutes than Joe in Round 2.
And itâs not like Joe was stacking bricks. He shot 5 of 12 from deep against the Lakers.
In the regular season, there was room for both Joe and McCain. Itâs starting to feel like an either/or situation in the playoffs given their overlapping skillsets. Both are elite 3-point shooters, but McCain has a little more wiggle to his offensive game. Joe is less of a defensive liability.
Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren (7) walks in before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
Oklahoma City's Ajay Mitchell (25) before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
Oklahoma City's Isaiah Hartenstein (55) walks in before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 2 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren (7) walks in before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 2 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren (7) walks in before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 2 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
Oklahoma City's Ajay Mitchell (25) before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
3 / 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 2 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
Oklahoma City's Isaiah Hartenstein (55) walks in before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
4 / 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 2 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) before the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, May, 7, 2026.
Stock up: Rustâs hold on SGA
He said it himself in his walk-off interview after Game 4.
âThe rust has been taking its toll on me.â
SGA has gotten off to slow starts (by his standards) in both series, and rust is a viable explanation. The Thunder had a week off between the end of the regular season and the start of Round 1. And then another week off between the end of Round 1 and the start of Round 2.
And OKC is about to have another week off before it faces either Minnesota or San Antonio in the conference finals.
But donât cry for the Thunder. If OKC wants less rest, and therefore less rust, it shouldâve lost a game or two by now. Now that doesnât sound like a good strategy. No, no it doesnât.
By the way, SGA is averaging 29.1 points on 51% shooting in these playoffs. His turnovers are up (3.0 per game), but so are his assists (7.1).
Rust is a relative term.
Stock down: Thunder officiating conspiracies
The Thunder swept the Lakers, just as the league wanted. Commissioner Adam Silver loves him some middle America. Especially at the expense of LeBron and LA.
I thought Game 2 was officiated poorly from both sides. Other than that, I had no issues with how the series was called. That didnât stop Lakers fans and Thunder fans from accusing the other of war crimes ⊠but alas.
Personal fouls in the series: Thunder 81, Lakers 80.
Free throws attempted: Lakers 86, Thunder 72.
Please for the love of everything holy can everybody (Iâm looking at you too, Thunder fans) shut up about the officiating?
Chet Holmgren is the Thunderâs second-best player. No, Jalen Williams is the Thunderâs second-best player. No, itâs Holmgren.
I keep flipping back and forth, not that it matters. Theyâre both great.
But Holmgren has stepped up as needed with J-Dub out. Could a case be made that Holmgren, and not SGA, has been the Thunderâs best player in the playoffs? Iâd listen.
Holmgren averaged 20 points on 61/39/87 shooting splits against the Lakers all while denying LA anything easy.
Stock down: Game 5s
Who needs them anyway?
The Thunder became the eighth team to start the playoffs 8-0.
The last to do it was the 2016-17 Warriors, who went 16-1 en route to an NBA title.