S³ NBA COVERAGE | November 14, 2026
INGLEWOOD, Calif. The Oklahoma City Thunder had the lead, the momentum and one of the NBA's most dangerous scorers on the floor. What they didn't have was an answer for the Los Angeles Clippers when the game mattered most.
Brook Lopez scored 26 points, Darius Garland added 24, and the Clippers pulled off a stunning 113–112 victory Friday night in Emirates NBA Cup action.
Los Angeles erased a six-point deficit over the final 2:43, closing the game on a 7–0 run and handing Oklahoma City its third consecutive loss.
For a Clippers team that opened the season 1–7, this wasn't just another victory. It was the kind of finish that could help restore confidence to a struggling team.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The Clippers appeared to have control early, carrying a 57–44 advantage into halftime.
Oklahoma City struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just two of its first 17 three-point attempts. Los Angeles capitalized with balanced scoring and timely offense.
But the third quarter belonged to the Thunder.
Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City erupted for 40 points while holding the Clippers to 25. By the end of the period, the Thunder had transformed a 13-point halftime deficit into an 84–82 lead.
The defending champions had reclaimed the momentum.
And with Gilgeous-Alexander finding his rhythm, the Clippers appeared to be heading toward another disappointing finish.
The Final 2:43 Changed Everything
With 3:01 remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander connected on a leaning three-pointer to extend Oklahoma City's lead to 110–106.
The Thunder eventually pushed their advantage to 112–106 with 2:43 left.
Then the Clippers took over.
Brook Lopez delivered two crucial baskets, reducing the deficit to two points and keeping Los Angeles within striking distance.
Garland took care of the rest.
With 50.4 seconds remaining, Garland attacked the basket, finished through contact and converted the free throw to complete a three-point play.
Clippers 113. Thunder 112.
Los Angeles still needed one final defensive stand.
Gilgeous-Alexander had an opportunity to rescue Oklahoma City at the buzzer, but his 21-foot jumper missed.
The Clippers had survived.
It was a remarkable conclusion to a game that featured multiple momentum swings, clutch shooting and defensive possessions that ultimately determined the outcome.
Brook Lopez Was the Difference
Garland delivered the winning basket, but Lopez provided the foundation for the Clippers' victory.
The veteran center finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 11-of-21 from the field.
More importantly, Lopez supplied the offense Los Angeles desperately needed during its final comeback.
His ability to score inside, stretch the floor and remain effective in critical situations gave the Clippers a dependable offensive option when their opportunities were running out.
Garland complemented him with 24 points and seven assists, including the game's decisive play.
Derrick Jones Jr. and rookie Keaton Wagler contributed 14 points apiece, while Gradey Dick added 13.
Dick's activity on the glass and willingness to fight for loose possessions also contributed to the Clippers' late defensive effort.
This was a collective victory built around two players delivering at the most important moments.
Shai's 40 Points Weren't Enough
Gilgeous-Alexander was outstanding offensively.
The Thunder superstar finished with 40 points, four rebounds and five assists, carrying much of Oklahoma City's scoring responsibility.
Jared McCain added 23 points and connected on seven of 11 three-point attempts.
Isaiah Hartenstein was equally productive, recording 21 points, 16 rebounds and six assists.
Yet those performances weren't enough.
Oklahoma City dominated several statistical categories, but the Thunder failed to score during the final 2:43.
The team also continues to deal with significant injuries, including the absences of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace.
Those missing contributors have affected Oklahoma City's depth and flexibility, but the final possessions still presented an opportunity to close out the game.
The Thunder couldn't finish the job.
S³ Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Thunder | Clippers |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 47% | 45% |
| Three-Point % | 31% | 39% |
| Free Throw % | 68% | 81% |
| Rebounds | 45 | 40 |
| Assists | 27 | 28 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Points in Paint | 58 | 40 |
The numbers tell an interesting story.
Oklahoma City held advantages in field-goal percentage, rebounding and points in the paint.
The Thunder outscored Los Angeles by 18 points inside.
Ordinarily, that kind of interior production creates a strong foundation for victory.
But the Clippers were more efficient from three-point range and at the free-throw line.
Los Angeles also committed one fewer turnover and finished with three more blocked shots.
Ultimately, Oklahoma City's statistical advantages meant little when its offense went silent over the final possessions.
The Thunder won several statistical battles. The Clippers won the possessions that decided the game.
S³ Final Assessment: Execution Over Production
The Clippers entered this matchup desperately needing victories. Oklahoma City entered as the defending NBA champion, but its recent performances have exposed some vulnerabilities.
Friday's finish highlighted the difference between producing impressive individual statistics and executing well enough to win.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 40 points. Hartenstein controlled the glass. McCain provided perimeter scoring.
Oklahoma City had enough production to win.
But Lopez and Garland executed when the Clippers' season appeared headed toward another frustrating defeat.
For Los Angeles, this victory demonstrates what can happen when its veteran players lead the offense and its supporting cast contributes defensively.
For Oklahoma City, the concern isn't a lack of talent. It's the team's inability to finish games during its current three-game losing streak.
The Thunder are still dangerous, but injuries and late-game execution have become issues that need attention.
The Clippers, meanwhile, have something they haven't experienced consistently this season: momentum.
S³ Verdict: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the biggest scoring performance. Brook Lopez kept the Clippers alive. Darius Garland delivered the knockout blow.
And when the final buzzer sounded, Los Angeles had stolen a game Oklahoma City appeared ready to win.
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