Los Angeles, CA -
Oklahoma City scored 15 consecutive points late in the fourth quarter in handing the Los Angeles Lakers a crushing 120-106 defeat at the Staples Center Sunday Night.
The Thunder (56-24) trailed 104-103 after a three-point play by Kobe Bryant with 3:10 remaining. Thabo Sefolosha spurred the 15-0 run seconds later, draining a 3-pointer.
Over the final three minutes, the Lakers would go 1-of-4 from the field and commit five turnovers -- a collapse that resulted in the team's fifth consecutive loss.
Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 31 points while Russell Westbrook added 26. James Harden scored 16 off the bench and Serge Ibaka added 15.
Bryant led the Lakers with 31 points.
The Lakers' five-game losing skid, combined with Oklahoma City's four-game win streak, has created just a one game difference between the two teams and the Dallas Mavericks for the number two seed in the Western Conference.
Both the Lakers and Mavericks own the tiebreaker against Oklahoma City, which means, with two games remaining, the Thunder will need to win both of their final games (Monday at Sacramento; Wednesday vs. Milwaukee) and have the Lakers lose to top-seed San Antonio on Tuesday and at Sacramento Wednesday to move up at least one spot.
Dallas plays at Houston and at home against New Orleans.
