Quick Read
- Isaiah Joe scored 19 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 9, 2026.
- He executed a two-handed dunk over LeBron James in the second quarter.
- Joe also hit a significant “way downtown” shot during the game.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Lakers 119-110, snapping a two-game skid.
- Joe has taken on an increased role due to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s abdominal strain.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe delivered two standout performances, including a crucial “way downtown” shot and a thunderous dunk over LeBron James, which significantly contributed to the Thunder’s 119-110 road win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, February 9, 2026. Joe’s impactful plays underscored his growing importance as a key offensive spark for the Thunder, especially as the team navigates the continued absence of star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The victory, which snapped the Thunder’s two-game skid, saw Joe step into a larger role, showcasing his versatile scoring ability and two-way energy. His contributions were pivotal in turning the tide against a formidable Lakers squad.
Joe’s Dominant Performance Against Lakers
During the intense matchup at Crypto.com Arena, Isaiah Joe was fearless in his attack, notably executing a powerful two-handed dunk over Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James in the second quarter. This highlight-reel play, which drew a visible reaction from teammate Alex Caruso, demonstrated Joe’s confidence and athleticism. ClutchPoints reported that Joe made a nifty cut to the basket, receiving a give-and-go pass from Isaiah Hartenstein before exploding for the flush.
Beyond the spectacular dunk, Joe also connected on a significant three-pointer from “way downtown,” a shot that further solidified his offensive presence throughout the game. By the final buzzer, Joe had tallied an impressive 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in just 27 minutes off the bench, according to ClutchPoints. His efficiency and impact were crucial to the Thunder’s late-game surge.
Filling a Critical Role for the Thunder
Isaiah Joe’s increased production comes at a vital time for the Oklahoma City Thunder. With All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined due to an abdominal strain until after the upcoming All-Star Weekend, Joe has been given a bigger role and has embraced the opportunity. He has consistently provided instant scoring and energy, averaging 10.2 points in 21.0 minutes per game, as noted by ClutchPoints.
As a “spark plug” and one of the Thunder’s “shock troopers,” alongside players like Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, and Aaron Wiggins, Joe’s ability to impact the game with his two-way energy ensures that the team’s intensity does not wane when the starting unit rests. His recent performances highlight his capacity to not only get buckets in different ways but also contribute defensively, maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Thunder’s Resurgent Victory and Key Returns
The Thunder’s 119-110 triumph over the Lakers was a hard-fought battle, with Oklahoma City rallying in the fourth quarter to secure the win. This game also marked the return of forward Jalen Williams, who had missed 10 consecutive games due to a hamstring strain. Williams made a strong comeback, scoring 23 points and grabbing three rebounds in 24 minutes, with 10 of his points coming in the crucial final quarter, as reported by The Oklahoman. His presence, alongside Joe’s heroics, provided a significant boost to the Thunder’s lineup.
Oklahoma City’s ability to secure a road win against a tough opponent, despite key injuries, speaks to the depth and resilience of the squad. The team is now set to face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday before heading into a much-needed break.
Isaiah Joe’s standout performance against the Lakers, particularly his high-flying dunk over LeBron James, signifies his emergence as a critical and reliable scoring option for the Oklahoma City Thunder, proving indispensable during Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence and bolstering the team’s competitive aspirations.