The Oklahoma City Thunder are just one win away from another Western Conference Finals appearance after a commanding 131-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, putting the series at a daunting 3-0 lead.

The Lakers now face the impossible task of becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit—a challenge that seems even steeper given their struggles in this one-sided series. Without injured star Luka Doncic, the Lakers have been unable to slow down the Thunder's relentless attack.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, contributed 23 points and nine assists for the top-seeded Thunder, but it was teammate Ajay Mitchell who stole the spotlight with a sharp-shooting 24 points and 10 assists. Despite a slow start—missing nine of his first 11 shots—Gilgeous-Alexander found his rhythm when it mattered most. "I haven't been my best in performances, but I've been able to help the team win, and that's most important," he said. "As long as we win, I'd be OK with it."

On the Lakers side, 41-year-old LeBron James managed 19 points but was far from his usual dominant self. The Lakers, who also missed Doncic's playmaking, simply couldn't keep pace with a Thunder team that looks poised to repeat as NBA champions.

Across the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers kept their Eastern Conference hopes alive with a gritty 116-109 win over the Detroit Pistons. Donovan Mitchell erupted for 35 points, leading the Cavaliers to cut the Pistons' series lead to 2-1. Cleveland built a 16-point halftime cushion, and despite a valiant effort from Detroit's Cade Cunningham—who notched a 27-point triple-double with 10 rebounds and 10 assists—Mitchell's clutch free throws sealed the victory.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks are a game away from advancing after a 108-94 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, while the San Antonio Spurs hold a 2-1 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves following a 115-108 victory. With the playoffs heating up, every game is a must-watch for basketball fans.