Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his exceptional skills by scoring 40 points and providing eight assists in just three quarters, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a decisive 134-114 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This standout performance marks Gilgeous-Alexander’s 18th game with 40 or more points, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s top players.
The matchup featured two of the best teams in the NBA, with both the Thunder and the Cavaliers boasting impressive records of 34-6. This clash was particularly noteworthy as it served as a rematch; the Cavaliers had narrowly edged out the Thunder in their previous encounter on January 8 with a score of 129-122. In this latest game, however, the Thunder handed the Cavaliers their largest defeat of the season.
Supporting Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort delivered a season-best performance with 22 points, while Jalen Williams contributed 19 points. The Thunder’s offense was explosive, especially in the first half, where they outscored Cleveland significantly. The Cavaliers struggled defensively, allowing Oklahoma City to shoot an impressive 60.3% in the first three quarters.
Despite a strong effort from Darius Garland, who scored 20 points and dished out nine assists, the Cavaliers were unable to find their rhythm. Star player Donovan Mitchell faced challenges, managing only eight points on 3-for-15 shooting. The Thunder quickly took control of the game, utilizing a remarkable 22-2 run in the first quarter to establish a commanding lead.
One key highlight of the game was the Thunder’s incredible discipline, committing only six turnovers compared to the Cavaliers’ 21. With this win, the Thunder extended their winning streak to four games, showcasing their resilience, especially in the absence of center Isaiah Hartenstein due to injury.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will face the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, while the Cavaliers are set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
This victory emphasizes the Thunder’s capability to perform at a high level, even when facing adversity, and bodes well for their momentum as the season progresses.