Thunder Defeat Lakers 108-90 in Game 1 of Western Conference Semifinals

He described the Thunder’s defensive approach simply: “We just try to make people play outside their comfort zone, as simple as that. ” In the other NBA playoff game on May 5, 2026, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101 at the Pistons’ Little Caesars Arena.

Cade Cunningham scored 23 points to lead Detroit, with Tobias Harris adding 20, Duncan Robinson scoring 19 that included five three-pointers, Daniss Jenkins contributing 12 off the bench, and Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren each posting 11.

Six Detroit players finished in double figures. Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points for Cleveland, including four three-pointers. James Harden added 22 points along with 8 rebounds and 7 assists. The Pistons built a 17-point lead in the third quarter before holding off a Cavaliers rally in the fourth.

Cade Cunningham described the victory as the product of a deep roster and sound system. “It was a great team win – defending the ball, rebounding the ball. We’ve got a great system in place. You’ve got somebody that will come in behind you whenever you get tired.

But it’s one win, we’ve got to come back and do it again,” Cunningham said. The Pistons had advanced by coming back from 3-1 down to defeat Orlando 4-3 in the first round. Cunningham stressed the importance of protecting home court in the new series.

“At home, you’ve got to protect home court. We didn’t do that in the last series, so we want to do that this series. They want to come in and steal one, so we’ve got to do this again the day after tomorrow,” he said.

The Thunder took a 1-0 series lead with the victory. The Lakers will look to even the series in Game 2.