Eight days after their franchise-record 15-game win streak was snapped in Cleveland, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder exacted revenge emphatically, dismantling the Cavaliers 134-114 in a conflict of NBA titans.
The East-leading Cavaliers jumped to an early 12-10 benefit, however the West-leading Thunder responded with a shocking 30-2 run, spearheaded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC entered halftime with a commanding 75-49 lead, by no means relinquishing management as each groups rested starters within the fourth quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterclass, scoring 40 factors on 17-of-26 capturing, including eight assists and two steals in 29 minutes. “You decide your self in opposition to one of the best to search out out the place you’re,” SGA mentioned postgame. “Tonight, we examined ourselves, and I believe we handed.”
The Thunder’s top-rated protection bounced again from permitting 129 factors of their final assembly, smothering Cleveland’s league-best offense. OKC held the Cavs to a season-low 14 factors within the first quarter and compelled 21 turnovers, their highest complete this season. Cleveland’s Darius Garland led with 20 factors, however Donovan Mitchell was restricted to a season-low eight.
Offensively, Lu Dort recorded a season-high 22 factors and 6 three-pointers, whereas Jalen Williams added 19 factors. 5 Thunder gamers scored in double figures, showcasing the group’s depth.
OKC improved to 34-6 with the win, tying Cleveland for the NBA’s finest file whereas incomes their nineteenth victory in 20 video games. The Thunder are on tempo to set a historic +13.0 level differential for the season.
SGA’s dominance continued as he outscored Cleveland single-handedly within the first quarter (15-14) and tallied 26 factors by halftime. Main the league with 24 video games of 30+ factors, Gilgeous-Alexander is making a compelling case for MVP honors as OKC solidifies its place as a championship contender.