Thunder vs. Cavaliers: Three Matchups That Could Decide the Game
The Oklahoma City Thunder are walking a tightrope right now. After letting a late lead slip away against the Heat - and losing Jalen Williams to a hamstring injury in the process - they’re limping into a crucial matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein both sidelined, OKC’s depth and resilience will be tested. Cleveland’s not exactly at full strength either, missing Darius Garland, Max Strus, and Sam Merrill.
But this game is less about who’s missing and more about who steps up.
Let’s break down three key matchups that could swing this one.
1. Containing Donovan Mitchell
With Darius Garland out, the offensive load on Donovan Mitchell goes from heavy to borderline Herculean. He’s averaging 29.2 points per game this season and doing it with career-best efficiency - both in effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage. Simply put, if Mitchell gets hot, Cleveland becomes a different team.
Enter Luguentz Dort.
Dort has a reputation as one of the league’s most tenacious perimeter defenders, and his track record against Mitchell backs it up. Since the start of the 2024 season, Dort has guarded Mitchell for 161 possessions and held him to just 13.5 points per 75 possessions on a rough 41.5% true shooting. That’s elite defense by any standard.
Cason Wallace will also get his turn on Mitchell when Dort hits the bench. Wallace has shown flashes of defensive brilliance in his rookie campaign, and he’ll need to bring that edge here. If Dort and Wallace can keep Mitchell in check - or at least force him into tough, contested looks - Cleveland’s offense could bog down quickly.
And for what it’s worth: Mitchell scored just 19 total points on 6-of-31 shooting in two games against OKC last season. That’s not a typo. If history repeats, the Thunder are in business.
2. Winning the Battle on the Boards
Let’s be honest - giving up 21 offensive rebounds to Miami was a gut punch. That’s the kind of stat that haunts film sessions and frustrates coaches. Without Hartenstein and now Jalen Williams, the Thunder are down two of their most physical rebounders, and it showed.
Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams are going to have to bring the fight inside. That means initiating contact, boxing out with purpose, and securing those 50/50 balls. It also means guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace need to be active rebounders - not just ball-watchers.
Cleveland’s frontcourt tandem of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen is no joke. Both average over two offensive rebounds per game, and they thrive on second-chance points. If the Thunder can’t keep them off the glass, it could be another long night.
3. Ajay Mitchell’s Moment
With Jalen Williams out, the Thunder’s bench minutes - especially those without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor - become a lot more precarious. That’s where Ajay Mitchell comes in.
Mitchell’s had a breakout sophomore season, and now he’s being asked to do even more. He’ll need to take on a bigger role as a scorer and a playmaker, especially during stretches when SGA is resting. It’s a tall task, but Mitchell’s shown the poise and skill to handle it.
Of course, it’s not all on him. The Thunder’s supporting cast has to knock down shots when the ball swings their way.
Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Dort will all get clean looks from beyond the arc - the question is, will they convert? If they do, it opens up the floor for Mitchell and makes his job that much easier.
Final Word
This game won’t be easy. The Thunder are banged up and coming off a frustrating loss.
But they’ve got the tools to bounce back - elite perimeter defense, a deep rotation, and a rising star in Ajay Mitchell ready to take on more responsibility. If they can contain Donovan Mitchell, hold their own on the boards, and knock down open looks, they’ll put themselves in a strong position to get back in the win column.