Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in the Thunder's 131-108 win over the Lakers, but his shooting was below par at 35%. Despite his struggles, the OKC Thunder continue to dominate in the playoffs.
Key points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in Game 3.
He shot 35% from the field, going 7-for-20.
The Thunder won 131-108 against the Lakers.
Gilgeous-Alexander has scored fewer than 25 points in three straight games.
He expressed frustration with his individual performance.
Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderOklahoma City ThunderLos Angeles LakersWestern Conference semifinals
LOS ANGELES — The sweet sound of a swishing net reached Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ears. Then it was followed by the absence of any noise at all as the crowd at Crypto.com Arena went silent.
There's no sequence more satisfying when playing on the road, but Gilgeous-Alexander didn't savor the moment after making a mid-range jumper during the Thunder's 131-108 Western Conference semifinals Game 3 win over the Lakers on Saturday. He just shook his head while backtracking up the floor before clapping his hands in frustration.
The lifelong perfectionist wasn't satisfied with his very imperfect individual performance. One where he scored 23 points on just 7-for-20 shooting from the field (35%).
It was an uncharacteristic scoring night by the reigning MVP. And that has been the case for the entire second-round series, where Gilgeous-Alexander has finished with fewer than 25 points in three straight games for the first time since 2024.
"They obviously haven't been my best performances," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Q&A
Why is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring less in the playoffs?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been scoring fewer than 25 points in three consecutive playoff games, marking an unusual performance for the reigning MVP.
What was the score of the Thunder vs. Lakers Game 3?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 131-108 in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.
How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perform against the Lakers?
In the game against the Lakers, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points but shot only 35% from the field, going 7-for-20.
What does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander think about his performance?
Gilgeous-Alexander expressed frustration with his performance, stating that it hasn't been his best during the series.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for the rebound during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket against Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder fouls Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to passes the ball against Alex Caruso #9 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Ajay Mitchell #25 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounds against Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers jumps for the ball against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder to start the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a foul call during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) screens out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) handles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) steps back from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) for a three-point basket during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) and center Chet Holmgren (7) defend a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett looks on as players warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
3 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
4 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
5 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for the rebound during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
6 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
7 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket against Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
8 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
9 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder fouls Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to passes the ball against Alex Caruso #9 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Ajay Mitchell #25 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounds against Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
13 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
14 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
15 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
16 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers jumps for the ball against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder to start the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a foul call during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) screens out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) handles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) steps back from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) for a three-point basket during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) and center Chet Holmgren (7) defend a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett looks on as players warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
25 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't been happy with his scoring, and yet he has found joy elsewhere. He has found it when searching for ways to involve his teammates.
Games 1 and 2 required some adjusting from Gilgeous-Alexander, as the Lakers aggressively double-teamed him at all times. The OKC superstar wasn't quite used to Los Angeles traffic, and he committed 10 total turnovers as a result.
But Gilgeous-Alexander was happy to let Chet Holmgren become the Thunder's driving force. Gilgeous-Alexander frequently fed the first-time All Star, who averaged a team-high 23 points on 57.1% shooting from the field (71.4% from deep) during those two wins.
Game 3 also required some adjusting from Gilgeous-Alexander. The fashion icon prides himself on never repeating a fit, but he spent every play with Marcus Smart draped over him. It didn't matter if he'd just gathered an inbound pass 90 feet away from the basket or if he didn't have the ball at all.
So Gilgeous-Alexander rolled out the red carpet for his teammates as he racked up nine assists. And he did so while only turning the ball over twice.
"I give him a lot of credit for the way that he has not fought the game in this series with the double teams," Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. "They reeled those back tonight. But in the first two games, they were doubling him quite aggressively, and it has really put his teammates at an advantage. And now tonight, you turn around and we get contributions from everybody.
"I think if he had been more hasty in the first couple of games and he had tried to find something that wasn't there, I'm not sure they would've had the advantages. And I think that contributes to the confidence that the guys play with on a night like tonight. He continues to impress me in every way possible, and I think his poise specifically has been really impressive."
Despite posting uncharacteristic point totals during this series, Gilgeous-Alexander remains a high-character guy. He remains someone who just wants to win. Someone who knows he can't do that on his own.
He's the head of the snake, although there's no toxicity. And he wants everybody to eat.
"I think it's amazing," Holmgren said of Gilgeous-Alexander's unselfishness. "It really sets the tone for everybody else when somebody that talented and that good is playing the right way. That doesn't mean he's being passive. He's being aggressive out there. Sometimes the game is telling him that he needs to pass, and he does a great job of that. It sets the tone because if he's gonna do that, who is anybody else not to? I think it's great for our team.
"It's a great example of leading with action by doing the right thing. People tend to follow, and he's done a great job with that."
Of course, Gilgeous-Alexander still isn't happy in the moment when his shot doesn't drop. You don't reach the heights he has reached without having high standards.
But OKC still has a 3-0 lead in this series, making it one win away from advancing to the Western Conference finals. It's also still the favorite to win a second straight championship.
And that sounds good to him.
"As long as we win," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "If the rest of the playoff run or the rest of my career looked like what it looked like the past few games, I'd be OK with it because we won games. That's how I view it."
Thunder players Cason Wallace (22), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Ajay Mitchell (25) celebrate from the bench against the Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game 3of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on May 09.
Thunder players Cason Wallace (22), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Ajay Mitchell (25) celebrate from the bench against the Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game 3of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on May 09.
Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena.