On May 12, 2026, Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Lakers and the Thunder tipped off. Facing a 3-0 deficit, the Lakers were in a must-win situation, knowing one more loss would end their season. Despite a gritty performance and even holding a chance to steal the win, they couldn’t close it out. The Thunder secured a 115-110 victory, sweeping the Lakers for the second straight series. With eight consecutive wins, Oklahoma City advanced to the Western Conference Finals as the only undefeated team in the playoffs so far.
The Lakers gave it their all. Three players scored over 20 points: Austin Reaves had 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists but committed 8 turnovers; Rui Hachimura added 25 points, including four three-pointers, showcasing elite 3-and-D play throughout the postseason. LeBron James contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds but missed a crucial floater in the final seconds. Off the bench, Jaxson Hayes chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 35 points, Donovan Mitchell added 28, and Chet Holmgren had 16. With Jalen Williams out, a new “Big Three” appears to be emerging in Oklahoma City.
A key factor in the Thunder’s tight win was rookie Jared McCain off the bench. In just 15 minutes and 52 seconds, he delivered 13 points and 2 rebounds. His timely scoring in the fourth quarter helped erase the Lakers’ lead and push the Thunder ahead. Without his spark, the outcome could have been different. This wasn’t the first time McCain has stepped up. In Game 2 of the series, he exploded for 18 points, catching Los Angeles off guard with his inside-out game.
Across the series, McCain averaged 11.5 points in about 15 minutes per game, draining 12 three-pointers at a blistering 63.16% clip. His contributions have been vital in the Thunder’s sweep. The Lakers likely planned for every key Thunder player but didn’t anticipate McCain’s rise. For Oklahoma City, McCain’s emergence adds another layer of depth to their championship defense.
Most impressively, the Thunder didn’t pay a high price to acquire McCain. They sent only one first-round pick and three second-rounders — essentially a single first-round pick for a player who now looks like a steal. Credit goes to the 76ers and Paul George. In an effort to avoid the luxury tax, Philadelphia essentially gave McCain away midseason. Even Joel Embiid opposed the trade. The 76ers’ need to save money stems from their massive four-year, $212 million contract to a past-prime Paul George last summer, forcing them to part with young talent they drafted and developed. Between McCain and Ricky Council IV, Philadelphia chose to keep the latter, leaving the Thunder to scoop up a bargain. While McCain may never become a star, he’s proven to be a potent spark plug and sixth-man candidate — exactly what the Thunder needed.