The matchup everyone expected to be competitive turned into a one-sided statement as the Oklahoma City Thunder powered to a crushing 121–92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving fans stunned, disappointed, and fiercely vocal online.

Leading the charge was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered yet another masterclass, reminding the league why he’s being discussed in early MVP conversations. His razor-sharp drives, calculated mid-range shooting, and commanding pace left the Lakers helpless as the Thunder extended their season record to a stunning 12–1.

On the other end, Luka Doncic—the newest superstar addition to the Los Angeles Lakers—fought hard, posting 19 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds, but even his all-around brilliance wasn’t enough to counter Oklahoma City’s momentum.

A Night That Went Wrong Early

By halftime, the Thunder led 70–38, a gap so wide that even die-hard Lakers fans on X wondered if the game was already over.
One fan wrote, “What are we even watching? This isn’t Lakers basketball.”

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Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander had already poured in 18 points, slicing through the defense almost effortlessly. Every time the Lakers tried to initiate a comeback, the Thunder responded with sharper execution and cleaner rotations.

Veteran analysts pointed out that the Lakers’ defensive issues—visible throughout their last few games—were exposed brutally against one of the league’s fastest-developing teams.

Thunder’s Total Control

Entering the fourth quarter with a 100–64 lead, the Thunder rested key starters, yet still managed to maintain full command.
Young stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams continued to apply pressure, showing how deep and disciplined this Oklahoma City roster truly is.

The Lakers, meanwhile, looked disconnected and visibly frustrated as turnovers piled up and open shots refused to fall.

Social media echoed the frustration:

• Some blamed the rotation decisions of head coach Darvin Ham.
• Others questioned whether the team is still learning to gel with Doncic.
• A few even labeled the performance as “embarrassing” for a franchise with such a decorated history.
• https://x.com/SloHoopsFan/status/1988838201885073608?s=20

Where Do The Lakers Go From Here?

With the loss, the Lakers drop to 8–4, still a solid record, but concerns are rising.
Adjustments are expected before Friday’s face-off with the New Orleans Pelicans, and internal conversations may be getting louder.

Doncic, despite the tough night, maintained his composure, telling reporters, “We’ve got things to fix. That’s basketball. We move forward.”
Fans appreciated the accountability, but the urgency remains.

Thunder Look Unstoppable… For Now

With four straight victories, Oklahoma City will now head to face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Their confidence is sky-high, and performances like this make it clear—they’re no longer the “up-and-coming team.”
They’re already here.

Whether this dominance continues deep into the season will be one of the NBA’s biggest storylines.

The Australian basketball world is buzzing as Melbourne United prepares to host Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena on Monday night. With United sitting comfortably at the top of the table and still undefeated, the Kings are desperate to hand them their first loss of the season. The game promises everything — passion, rivalry, and redemption.

How to Watch
Basketball fans can catch all the action live on ESPN and Channel 10 at 7:30 PM (AEDT). Live updates, scores, and highlights will also be available through the official NBL App, ensuring you won’t miss a single dunk, pass, or buzzer-beater.

Cooks is Back in Style
All eyes will be on Xavier Cooks, the Kings’ star forward, who silenced his critics last week with a dominating performance against Brisbane Bullets. His display was a throwback to his MVP season — pulling down rebounds, leading fast breaks, and dictating the tempo from both ends of the court.

Cooks’ resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time for Sydney. When he’s on form, he elevates the entire team, turning them into the dangerous unit fans expected at the start of the season. His energy and leadership have injected confidence back into the locker room.

As Cooks himself once hinted in an interview, “When I play with freedom, everything just flows — offense, defense, all of it.” If he brings that same mindset to Melbourne, United’s defense could be in for a long night.

“Go Hard or Go to Sydney” — The Rivalry Rekindled
Few rivalries in Australian basketball are as emotionally charged as Melbourne vs Sydney. Years ago, banners at John Cain Arena read, “Go hard or go to Sydney,” symbolizing not just the competitive fire between the two sides, but also the cultural and sporting divide between the two cities.

United fans still chant that slogan, and tonight’s clash revives that fiery spirit. Sydney, meanwhile, is looking to flip the script and silence the crowd by becoming the first team to defeat Melbourne this season.

Adding to the intensity is the return of Matthew Dellavedova — the Australian basketball icon — who will play in front of his former Melbourne supporters for the first time since joining Sydney. Dellavedova’s relentless defense, combined with his leadership, has already transformed the Kings’ backcourt.

United Coach Dean Vickerman Speaks Out
Ahead of the matchup, Dean Vickerman, Melbourne United’s head coach, addressed Dellavedova’s return with both respect and focus.

“We don’t want to put anything extra on that matchup because we respect them as players and what they did for us,” said Vickerman. “There’s no extra motivation to beat them; we just want to make sure Melbourne United beats the Sydney Kings.”

It’s a calm yet confident statement — typical of a coach who knows his team’s strengths. Under Vickerman, United have built a reputation for consistency, defensive grit, and flawless execution.

Kings Coach Brian Goorjian on Facing Greatness
On the other side, Brian Goorjian, the legendary Kings coach and Australia’s most successful basketball mentor, acknowledged just how formidable Melbourne’s squad is.

“The team we’re playing, I think everybody knows it’s one of the great teams assembled in NBL history,” Goorjian said. “It’s exciting to get to play against them — that’s what you’re in the game for. It’s like when you’re with the Boomers and you play Team USA. I’m not saying they are Team USA, but it’s that kind of deal — it’s great to play against greatness.”

His words not only reflect respect for Melbourne’s talent but also the sense of challenge that drives elite teams like the Kings.

Players Missing in Action
Every big game comes with a few notable absences. For Melbourne United, Shea Ili remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to return later this month. For the Sydney Kings, Keli Leaupepe (knee) is out for the season, while Jason Spurgin (foot) may only return towards the end of the campaign.

Their absence could affect depth rotations, especially for Sydney, who will need to rely more on young talent and bench strength.

Key Talking Points Before Tip-Off

1. Xavier Cooks vs Chris Goulding Showdown – Expect fireworks as Cooks’ power meets Chris Goulding’s perimeter accuracy.

1. Dellavedova’s Return to Melbourne – Will the former fan-favorite be greeted with applause or rivalry-fueled boos?
2. United’s Undefeated Streak – Can Sydney end the streak, or will United continue their perfect run?
3. Defensive Duels – Both teams rank among the best in defensive efficiency this season.
4. Coach’s Mind Games – With tactical masters like Vickerman and Goorjian on the sidelines, this game could be won in the timeout huddles as much as on the court.

Prediction: A Classic in the Making
Every sign points to this being a blockbuster clash — one that defines early-season dominance in the NBL. Melbourne’s form gives them an edge, but Sydney’s hunger and Cooks’ leadership make them a serious threat.

Expect a high-tempo, physical encounter with momentum swings throughout. Whether it’s Cooks’ rebounding heroics or Goulding’s sharpshooting, this battle could go down to the wire.

So grab your popcorn, turn on ESPN, and witness what could be one of the most thrilling games of the NBL season.

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For the Las Vegas Aces, history had not been kind when it came to Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. Under head coach Becky Hammon, the team had never managed to pull off a win in this pivotal matchup — until last night.

With the championship stage set inside a packed Mortgage Matchup Center, the Aces broke their Game 3 curse in spectacular fashion, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 90–88. And the moment that sealed it? A near-impossible fadeaway jumper from A’ja Wilson with just 0.9 seconds left on the clock.

The shot — cold, confident, and precise — bounced once, hit the rim, and rolled in, sending the Aces bench into euphoria and the Mercury into disbelief. It wasn’t just another bucket. It was the kind of moment that defines careers.

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“Under Becky Hammon, we’ve never won a Game 3, so this was a must-win for us just for that sake,” Wilson said postgame. “I’m happy we finally won a Game 3… Look at us.”

Wilson’s stat line — 34 points and 14 rebounds — didn’t just tell the story of dominance; it showed a superstar in full command of her destiny.

A’ja Wilson — Ice in Her Veins

With less than a second remaining, the ball found Wilson at the top of the key. No drawn-up play. No elaborate screen. Just faith.

Coach Hammon later revealed her instructions were simple: “Get the ball to A’ja, and get out of the way.”

Wilson delivered — just as she has all season. The four-time MVP, known for her relentless drive and emotional leadership, reminded fans and critics alike why she’s the heartbeat of the Aces franchise.

As the shot fell, the crowd erupted. The Mercury players could only shake their heads, recognizing that they had just been beaten by greatness.

Jewell Loyd’s Hot Start — A Record-Breaking Flame

It wasn’t just Wilson making history on the night. Across the court, Jewell Loyd started the game with a first-quarter shooting spree that lit up the arena.

The Mercury star drained four 3-pointers in the opening frame — the most ever made in the first quarter of a WNBA Finals game. She came within one of tying the all-time record of five, a mark shared by Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Sami Whitcomb, Arike Ogunbowale, and Rhyne Howard.

Every time Loyd pulled up from deep, the rim looked wider. Her 3-point assault kept the Mercury alive early, but once the shots cooled, the Aces’ relentless pace and Wilson’s inside dominance took over.

Becky Hammon’s Game Plan Pays Off

Head coach Becky Hammon, who has spent years building a championship culture in Las Vegas, said the key was composure.

“We’ve been here before,” Hammon told reporters. “We didn’t panic. We trusted A’ja. That’s our DNA.”

It’s easy to see why. Under Hammon’s leadership, the Aces have evolved from a talented roster into a dynasty in the making — a team that blends grit, grace, and cold-blooded execution.

Their defensive rotations were sharp, their bench contributions timely, and their leader unstoppable.

The Mercury’s Missed Chance

For the Mercury, this one will sting. They had clawed back from a double-digit deficit, out-rebounded the Aces in the second half, and even took the lead with under a minute left — only for Wilson to snatch it back with a dagger.

The veteran core, led by Jewell Loyd and Brittney Griner, showed heart, but missed opportunities in crunch time proved costly.

Now down 0–3, the Mercury face elimination in Game 4 — a mountain no team has ever climbed in WNBA Finals history.

The Legacy Moment for A’ja Wilson

A’ja Wilson’s career has been one long highlight reel, but this shot — this singular, poetic bounce with 0.9 seconds on the clock — may become her defining moment.

Fans took to social media in droves, comparing her to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant for her killer instinct. Even former players like Sue Bird and Candace Parker praised the clutch performance.

“She’s built different,” Parker posted on X. “That’s greatness on display.”

For Wilson, though, it’s not about the highlight — it’s about the win. “We’ve worked too hard to let anything slip now,” she said. “The job’s not done.”

What Comes Next

The Aces now hold a commanding 3–0 series lead and can clinch their second consecutive WNBA title in Game 4. For Becky Hammon, it’s validation. For A’ja Wilson, it’s legacy. And for the Aces’ fans, it’s another chapter in a dynasty that shows no signs of slowing down.

If Game 3 was any indication, the Aces aren’t just trying to win — they’re trying to make history.