Thunder's streak snapped by Cavaliers
CLE 129 OKC 122
The Oklahoma City Thunder's (30-6) streak of magic has come to an end. The Cleveland Cavaliers (32-4) won a thriller between the league's two top teams, snapping OKC's win streak at 15 games in front of their home crowd. Despite Donovan Mitchell struggling (11 points on 3-16 shooting) like many primary options have before him against Lu Dort and the Thunder perimeter defense, the Cavs managed to turn the game into an offensive bout (their strength) and coming up with big plays down the stretch.
Shai was his consistent self (31 on 27 shots, a dip in his incredible efficiency of late) and got plenty of help from Jalen Williams (25 points, 9 assists, 5 boards, 4 stocks and an encouraging 5-7 FTA) and the rest of the Thunder on offense, but a mediocre shooting night (35.5% for the team, 3-13 between SGA and JDub) and turnover edge (+2) were familiar factors from a (rare) Thunder loss.
Next up: Another fun one. OKC heads to the Garden to play the Knicks on Friday.
Jalen Williams has been excellent to start this game.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 9, 2025
10 points (game high) and flying everywhere on defense.
Donovan Mitchell's first points of the game come on 2 free throws with 1:53 to go in the first half.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 9, 2025
Lu Dort.
Thunder down 62-59 at the half.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 9, 2025
Cavs end the 2nd quarter on an 8-2 run.
FG
OKC 23-47 (48.9%)
Cavs 22-45 (48.9%)
3PT
OKC 6-17 (35.3%)
Cavs 6-17 (35.3%)
FT
OKC 7-8
Cavs 12-15
Shooting has been a wash. Difference has been the free throw line.
Thunder down 103-102.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 9, 2025
26 lead changes.
This game is living up to the hype. Both teams want this one.
12 minutes to go.
Welp OKC is not going to win 66 straight games.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 9, 2025
Genuinely excellent game tonight.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 9, 2025
Two contenders went back and forth all night on national TV. Tip of the hat to both teams.
Goes without saying OKC misses Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso every game but especially against this elite Cavs offense.
Rematch in 8 days in OKC on TNT.
Thunder fall to 30-6.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 9, 2025
15 game win streak snapped.
30 lead changes. 8 ties.
OKC still has half the losses of the West's #2 team.
SGA: 31 PTS/3 STL/2 BLK
JDub: 25 PTS/9 AST/3 STL
Hart: 18 PTS/11 REB/8 AST
Next up: Knicks in NYC on Friday night.
