At the end of the first quarter of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 123–87 dismantling of the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team walked into the spotlight carrying something heavier than gold — their place in history.
Just two nights removed from a 79–51 title-clinching win over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA national championship in Phoenix, the Bruins were introduced at halfcourt.
Head coach Cori Close stood off to the left, with stars Lauren Betts, Sienna Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, and the rest of the team holding up their national championship trophy and waving at fans.
The women of Westwood got the loudest ovation by far, especially considering it was another blowout for the purple and gold at the hands of OKC.
Even some of the celebrities sitting courtside took notice. Academy Award nominee for best actress, Kate Hudson, sat courtside and greeted the players, giving them her congratulations on their impressive performance.
The same could not be said for the Lakers. Playing without LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves the team didn’t put up much of a fight against the reigning NBA champions.
The only fight that did take place happened on the Lakers bench as guard Jarred Vanderbilt exchanged words with Lakers’ head coach J.J. Redick during a timeout early in the second quarter.
The Lakers fell into a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference with the Houston Rockets after the loss.
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