The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 125-107 in Game 2 on Thursday, extending the Thunder's unbeaten postseason record and taking a 2-0 series lead. A 22-4 run sparked by reserve contributors proved decisive while reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat with foul trouble.

The Thunder surge began when Gilgeous-Alexander picked up his fourth foul just 86 seconds into the third quarter, with the Lakers holding a five-point lead. By the time he returned for the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City led by 13.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who tied Chet Holmgren for team-high scoring honors with 22 points, praised his teammates' execution during his absence.

"It was amazing," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "They strung together stops, and they played the right way offensively. I've got full confidence in those guys. Those guys know how to win basketball games. They've proven that. We've proven that. No matter who's on the floor, we can get the job done."

Ajay Mitchell, starting in place of injured All-NBA wing Jalen Williams, delivered 20 points and five assists. Seven of those points and three assists came during the critical third quarter. Mitchell was not part of the playoff rotation in his rookie season last year.

Jared McCain, acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline, provided an immediate spark off the bench. He scored 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, in just 18 minutes.

"Every time I see him shoot, I think it's going in," Holmgren said of McCain. "He's got just a certain type of confidence in him to come in the game cold after a lot of time sitting long stretches and then just bomb and make shots."

Holmgren contributed nine rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks. Oklahoma City outscored Los Angeles by 19 points across his 33 minutes. When the Lakers closed within five in the fourth quarter, Holmgren answered with a three-pointer and two free throws to restore a double-digit cushion.

"We've got guys that are competitors," coach Mark Daigneault said. "They see the challenges of the game as opportunities, and they attack them."

The Thunder are 8.5 point favorites for Game 3 on Saturday at the Lakers.