Hello Hive Fam!
What a game! The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered an emphatic statement on Thursday with a 134-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, in what was expected to be a tightly contested battle between the two best teams in the NBA. Instead, it turned into a Thunder showcase, led by the unstoppable Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
A Stunning Performance
Gilgeous-Alexander was on fire, scoring 40 points in just three quarters. He hit the milestone with a smooth driving floater late in the third quarter, extending Oklahoma City’s lead to a staggering 41 points. It marked his fifth 40-point game of the season, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players.
https://x.com/NBA/status/1880087064395317627
Adding to the Thunder’s dominance, Luguentz Dort scored a season-high 22 points, sinking 6-of-9 shots from beyond the arc. But his contributions didn’t stop there—Dort also locked down Cleveland’s star, Donovan Mitchell, holding him to just eight points on 3-of-15 shooting.
Thunder’s Defense Crushes Cleveland’s Offense
This game was a clash of the NBA’s top-ranked defensive team (Oklahoma City) and the league’s No. 1 offense (Cleveland). The Thunder lived up to their defensive reputation, holding the Cavaliers to just 14 points in the first quarter and forcing seven turnovers.
Cleveland shot a dismal 26.1% from the field and 18.2% from three-point range in the first quarter, with no trips to the free-throw line. The Thunder capitalized, scoring 10 points off turnovers and quickly establishing control.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 20 points, while Jarrett Allen added 13 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting.
- Oklahoma City overcame the absence of their two big men, Chet Holmgren (hip) and Isaiah Hartenstein (left soleus strain), with impressive contributions from Jaylin Williams and Brandon Carlson.
- The Thunder extended their winning streak to four games and have now won 14 of their last 15 games, with their only loss during that span coming at Cleveland.
Final Thoughts
This game wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Oklahoma City proved why they’re at the top of the league, showcasing elite defense, a relentless offense, and incredible depth.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, suffered only their second loss in 15 games, but they’ll need to regroup after a humbling defeat.
What do you think of Oklahoma City’s dominance? Can the Thunder keep their momentum going all the way to the playoffs? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
