The Oklahoma City Thunder (34-6) delivered a dominant performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers (34-6), claiming a decisive 134-114 victory on Thursday night in a showdown of the NBA’s top teams.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 40 points and eight assists in just three quarters, helping Oklahoma City secure its fourth consecutive win. The Thunder avenged their earlier loss to the Cavaliers, who won the first meeting between the two on January 8.
The Thunder outpaced Cleveland from the start, finishing the first quarter on a 22-2 run that established a commanding 32-14 lead. Gilgeous-Alexander set the tone early, scoring 15 points in the opening period and showcasing his scoring efficiency throughout.
Lu Dort contributed a season-high 22 points, knocking down six three-pointers, while Jalen Williams added 19 points and five assists. The Thunder matched their season high with 44 points in the third quarter, building a lead as large as 38 points.
Cleveland, known for its defensive prowess, struggled to contain Oklahoma City’s high-powered offense. The Thunder shot 60.3% from the field over the first three quarters and committed just six turnovers compared to Cleveland’s 21.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 20 points and nine assists, while Jarrett Allen scored 13 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting night. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s leading scorer, was held to eight points, shooting 3-for-15 from the field.
The Cavaliers trailed 75-49 at halftime, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 11 points in a three-minute span late in the second quarter to widen the gap. Oklahoma City’s defense held firm despite missing center Isaiah Hartenstein, the team’s leading rebounder, due to a strained left calf.
Oklahoma City also benefited from standout performances by Isaiah Joe, who scored 12 points off the bench, and Alex Caruso, who added 10 points in limited minutes. The Thunder’s bench provided valuable contributions, as seven players recorded at least one three-pointer in the game.
Cleveland’s bench had moments of success, including 12 points from Ty Jerome and nine from Sam Merrill, but the team struggled to overcome its turnover issues and defensive lapses.
The Thunder now share the league’s best record with the Cavaliers at 34-6 and remain atop the Western Conference standings.