In a thrilling showdown on Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their depth and resilience, overcoming the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 121-113 victory. Even without key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Thunder found a way to shine, thanks to standout performances from Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace.
Joe was on fire, leading the charge with 22 points and hitting six from downtown. Wallace was equally impressive, contributing 20 points and dishing out 10 assists, orchestrating the offense like a seasoned pro. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren was a force in the paint, racking up 17 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks, providing the Thunder with a solid presence on both ends.
Oklahoma City’s long-range shooting was the story of the night. They nailed 21 of 41 attempts from beyond the arc, a sizzling 51.2%, capitalizing on Cleveland's turnovers to convert them into 31 crucial points. This hot shooting helped the Thunder build an early 28-5 lead, with Joe knocking down three of those early triples to set the tone.
Cleveland, riding a seven-game winning streak, faced an uphill battle. Despite 20-point performances from Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Sam Merrill, the Cavaliers struggled to match the Thunder's shooting efficiency, hitting just 33.3% from deep.
The Cavaliers did make it interesting, though. Merrill sparked a third-quarter rally that saw Cleveland briefly take the lead at 69-68.
But the Thunder responded with back-to-back threes from Jared McCain and Joe, regaining control. The game remained tight, tied at 86 before Oklahoma City pulled away again with a trio of threes from Lu Dort, Kenrich Williams, and Wallace.
Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in with crucial fourth-quarter points, ensuring the Thunder maintained their lead and secured the win. This performance underscores Oklahoma City's depth and shooting prowess, proving they can compete even without their stars. With this win, the Thunder continue to assert themselves as a formidable force in the league.