CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers secured their 11th consecutive victory with an exhilarating 129-122 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in a highly anticipated showdown Wednesday night. Following the game, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson reflected on the progress of his team, as players noted, “We don’t win this game last year.”
Despite franchise star Donovan Mitchell’s off night, shooting just 3-for-16, it was the Cavs’ interior strength that shone. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen combined for 46 points and 21 rebounds, demonstrating their prowess against multiple Thunder defenders. Darius Garland also played a crucial role, scoring 18 points and delivering 7 assists, including a game-clinching bucket in the final seconds.
With this win, Cleveland not only ended Oklahoma City’s impressive 15-game win streak but also improved to an impressive 32-4, positioning them on track to potentially equal the Golden State Warriors’ record of 73 wins in the 2015-16 season.
“We’ve grown as a unit,” Mitchell remarked after the game. “Everybody who stepped on the floor contributed in some way, which made this a true team victory. It’s a big win, and while we haven’t won any championships yet, it’s something we can all take pride in.”
Although it was still early January, the atmosphere surrounding this matchup resembled that of a spring playoff game. Both teams were well-rested after a two-day break, elevating the excitement. Coach Atkinson likened the vibe to that of the NCAA tournament, expressing that it felt like a significant milestone for the Cavaliers.
The intensity of the game mirrored the pre-game hype, featuring a fierce back-and-forth battle with 30 lead changes and 8 ties, showcasing a high level of skill and teamwork. Mobley stood out, finishing with a well-rounded stat line of 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, and consistently jeopardizing the Thunder’s offense while stepping up with crucial buckets in key moments.
For Oklahoma City, despite the loss, there were bright spots. MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, although his effort came on 27 shots, while Jalen Williams displayed resilience with 25 points and 9 assists after a prior disappointing game.
While the Thunder faced challenges keeping up with Cleveland’s rebounding, the absence of Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso underlined the potential impact such players could have in future matchups between these two formidable teams.
As the Cavaliers continue to demonstrate their title contention capabilities, both teams leave the matchup with valuable lessons. Mitchell emphasized the need for sustained performance and confidence as they both push forward, eager to prove their worth in this competitive season.
This thrilling win not only serves to bolster Cleveland’s reputation but also highlights the growth of young talents in the league, suggesting that fans can look forward to exciting developments as the season progresses.