Cleveland Cavaliers End Thunder’s Streak in Thrilling Showdown
In a game that had all the makings of a classic, the Cleveland Cavaliers put on a show for their home crowd, ending the Oklahoma City Thunder’s impressive 15-game winning streak. The Cavaliers, led by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, secured a 129-122 victory in what was a marquee matchup between the NBA’s top two teams.
Allen was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 25 points, while Mobley added 21 to the tally. This victory not only extended the Cavaliers’ own winning streak to 11 games but also solidified their position at the top of the league with a stellar 32-4 record. Impressively, they remain undefeated against Western Conference teams, boasting an 11-0 record, and have been nearly unbeatable at home with a 19-1 record.
What makes this win even more remarkable is that it came on a night when their leading scorer, Donovan Mitchell, struggled to find his rhythm. Mitchell managed just 11 points, shooting 3-of-16 from the field. Yet, the Cavaliers’ depth and balance shone through, proving they can thrive even when their star player isn’t at his best.
On the other side of the court, the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up a valiant effort, scoring 31 points. Jalen Williams also contributed significantly with 25 points. Despite their efforts, the Thunder faced their first defeat since December 1st.
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with 30 lead changes and neither team ever leading by more than nine points. It was only the third time in NBA history that two teams with double-digit winning streaks faced off, the last occurrence being on January 26, 1995, when the Seattle SuperSonics and Utah Jazz clashed, each riding 10-game winning streaks.
Oklahoma City, while led by the undeniable talent of Gilgeous-Alexander, also showcased their depth. Center Isaiah Hartenstein had a standout performance with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, highlighting the Thunder’s potential beyond their star player.
For Cleveland, the game was a testament to their collective strength. Mobley and Allen not only dominated the scoring but also controlled the boards, combining for 22 rebounds and 13 assists. Their ability to step up in crucial moments was evident when, with Cleveland leading 125-122, a pivotal call against Mitchell was reversed after a challenge. Mobley then capitalized on the opportunity, sinking a 10-footer to extend the lead to five points.
Historically, only four teams have posted a better record through 36 games than the Cavaliers: the Golden State Warriors (34-2) in 2015-16, the Philadelphia 76ers (33-3) in 1966-67, the Los Angeles Lakers (33-3) in 1971-72, and the Chicago Bulls (33-3) in 1995-96. This places the Cavaliers in elite company, and their current form suggests they could be on the path to something special this season.
- Jarrett Allen: 25 points
- Evan Mobley: 21 points, 22 rebounds, 13 assists
- Donovan Mitchell: 11 points on 3-of-16 shooting
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 31 points
- Jalen Williams: 25 points
- Isaiah Hartenstein: 18 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists
As the season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly be ones to watch. The Cavaliers have shown they are more than just a one-man show, while the Thunder, despite the loss, have proven they are a formidable force in the league. This game was a preview of what could be an exciting playoff matchup come June.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
