Behind Kyle Kuzma’s heroics, Lakers top Thunder in OT without LeBron
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George, right, reaches for the ball held by Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) during overtime of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
OKLAHOMA CITY— Kyle Kuzma scored 32 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 138-128 in overtime Thursday night without injured LeBron James.
The four-time MVP missed his 12th straight game with a left groin strain, but the Lakers still pulled off a solid road win. Ivica Zubac scored a career-high 26 points and Lonzo Ball added 18 for the Lakers, who improved to 5-7 without their star.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Lakers outscored the Thunder 16-6 in the extra period.
Paul George scored 27 points and Terrance Ferguson added 21 for Oklahoma City. Russell Westbrook had 26 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds for the Thunder, but he shot just 7 of 30.
The Thunder lost despite making a franchise-record 21 3-pointers and leading by 17 in the first half. They have dropped five of six.
Article continues after this advertisementWestbrook missed two layups in the final minute, but he was fouled on a 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds remaining and the Lakers up 122-119. Westbrook, a 64 percent free throw shooter, made all three foul shots to tie the score at 122. Kuzma missed a 3 at the buzzer, and the game went to overtime.
TIP-INS
Lakers: G Rajon Rondo missed his 11th straight game since having surgery on his ring finger. … F Michael Beasley tried to check into the game in the first quarter while wearing practice shorts. … The Lakers made their first 11 free throws. … Brandon Ingram had a career-high 11 assists.
Thunder: Backup center Nerlens Noel returned after sitting out four games while in concussion protocol. … G Alex Abrines has missed the past eight games for personal reasons. … Ferguson shot 5 of 6 on 3-pointers in the first half. … Raymond Felton was called for a technical foul in overtime while on the bench.
UP NEXT
Lakers: At the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
Thunder: At the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
