In a Sunday showdown, the Cleveland Cavaliers hit a bump in the road as the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped their seven-game win streak with a 121-113 victory. This game was a wake-up call for a Cavaliers team that had been putting up some serious numbers since James Harden joined the squad.
The Thunder came out blazing, building a 23-point lead in just seven minutes. Although the Cavaliers eventually found their footing, the early deficit proved too steep to overcome.
Donovan Mitchell, usually a scoring machine, faced a familiar foe in Lu Dort. Over the past couple of seasons, Dort has been a thorn in Mitchell's side, holding him to an average of just 14.5 points on 29.4% shooting in their last four meetings.
This game was no different, with Mitchell managing 20 points on 9-of-19 shooting, which, ironically, was one of his better performances against OKC.
Mitchell expressed his frustration, noting the Thunder's physical style of play. "I mean, they foul.
There's no secret to that," he said. "But at the end of the day, it’s been a season and a half, two seasons.
What are you gonna do? Keep saying the same things?
They’re not calling it. They’re fouls, but they're not calling it, so it’s not a foul."
This physicality has become a hallmark of the Thunder's top-ranked defense, which thrives on intensity and savvy play. Their ability to force turnovers early on set the tone for the game, leaving the Cavaliers struggling to find their rhythm.
The Thunder's defensive prowess is a point of pride for the reigning NBA champions, crafted by the vision of Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault. Their focus on defense has paid dividends, allowing them to stifle even the most dynamic offenses.
Despite the Cavaliers' resurgence with Harden, their star-studded backcourt couldn't crack the Thunder's defensive code. This game served as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, as Cleveland looks to build on their recent success in the face of formidable opponents.