Lakers doing enough on SGA, but not enough anywhere else

The Lakers have found a way to slow Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It just has not mattered.

Through three games, Los Angeles has thrown everything at the reigning MVP. Marcus Smart has been attached to him.

Double teams have come quick. The numbers say it is working. The results say otherwise.

Oklahoma City leads the series 3-0.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in Game 3 on 7-of-20 shooting. Solid, not dominant. The Thunder still rolled, 131-108.

That’s the problem.

While the Lakers focus on one star, the rest of the Thunder keep delivering. Ajay Mitchell finished with 24 points and 10 assists, taking over stretches when Gilgeous-Alexander rested.

Chet Holmgren added 18 points and nine rebounds and has been one of the most consistent players in the series.

The Lakers are winning parts of games. They are losing the ones that matter.

Turnovers remain the turning point. Los Angeles committed 17 in Game 3, leading to 30 Thunder points, per ESPN. Oklahoma City had 13 more shot attempts. That is a gap that keeps showing up.

Same script every night. The Lakers defend well enough early. They hang around. Then mistakes pile up and the Thunder take control.

Game 4 is Monday. Season on the line.

The question is simple now. Can the Lakers put together four clean quarters?

Through three games, the answer has been no.