Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not really looked like an MVP for the three games in which the Oklahoma City Thunder have faced the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite that, the Thunder enjoyed a commanding 3-0 series lead after another impressive 131-108 win over the Lakers in Game 3.
Chet Holmgren explained why that was the case. It really all comes down to the biggest difference between these two sides: the depth and balance. The Thunder can find offense anywhere. Holmgren made that abundantly clear after Game 3 was over.
"It really could be anybody. ... It just kind of depends on whose number is called that night, but we know everyone is ready."
The Lakers do not have that luxury with their current roster build. Luka Doncic had previously been masking the issues with depth and bench scoring through his otherworldly production. With him still absent, and the Thunder as the team on the other side, it is crystal clear just how wide the disparity is between what Oklahoma City and Los Angeles both have to work with.
Thunder keep flexing their depth advantage over the Lakers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the top-three players in the world and the Thunder's unquestioned leader, struggled in Games 1 and 2. Game 3 was his best individual outing of the series, and it was still an inefficient scoring night from him.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, in their efforts to slow down the MVP, they have gotten decimated by everyone around him. Ajay Mitchell, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, Jared McCain, Isaiah Hartenstein, and others have all had their moments in this series to step up and deliver for OKC.
JJ Redick and company have dared guys not named Gilgeous-Alexander to beat them. That gamble has not worked out, because of just how great the all-around unit is in Oklahoma City.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have struggled to get consistent production, particularly on offense, from just about anyone not named LeBron James or Rui Hachimura throughout this entire playoff run. Those problems appear smaller when contrasted against the Houston Rockets. They quickly become an elephant in the room when it is the defending champion Thunder on the other side.
Redick knew how great the Thunder were ahead of this matchup. The Lakers coach warned his guys.
Game 3 was the third matchup in a row where the Thunder's second unit outscored the Lakers' counterparts. It was also the second game in a row where at least four starters for Oklahoma City registered double digits in the scoring department.
Simply put, the Thunder are a better overall unit by any stretch of the imagination. The Lakers have relied on a top-heavy approach in recent seasons. It is tough enough to still win with that formula as it is. When your main star is missing, suddenly the other guys start looking even more suspect.
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