The Oklahoma City Thunder put on a shooting clinic to hand the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss since acquiring James Harden. In a thrilling Sunday afternoon showdown, the Thunder's relentless three-point barrage and clutch rebounding proved decisive.
Oklahoma City wasted no time setting the tone, racing to a commanding 28-5 lead in the first quarter. By the time the dust settled, the Thunder held a strong 40-25 advantage. This early surge laid the groundwork for their eventual 121-113 victory.
Cleveland, riding high on a five-game winning streak, showed resilience by chipping away at the lead. The Cavaliers outscored the Thunder in both the second and third quarters, even momentarily grabbing a lead in the third. Heading into the fourth, Oklahoma City's lead had dwindled to just two points.
But the Thunder were not to be outdone.
Despite missing key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City found ways to execute when it mattered most. Their three-point shooting was nothing short of spectacular, going 21-of-41 from beyond the arc. Isaiah Joe led the charge with six threes, while Cason Wallace, Jaylin Williams, and Lu Dort contributed to a balanced attack that kept Cleveland's defense on its heels.
Rebounding was another crucial factor, especially in the final minutes. The Thunder secured 13 offensive boards, edging out Cleveland's 12, with several pivotal rebounds coming in the fourth quarter to create vital second-chance opportunities.
Although Cleveland cleaned up their play after a rough start, the early deficit was too much to overcome. Oklahoma City's combination of sharp shooting and timely rebounding sealed the deal, handing the Cavaliers a tough 121-113 defeat.