Thunder Show Depth and Identity in Statement Win Over Cavaliers
No Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. No Jalen Williams.
No Isaiah Hartenstein. No problem.
The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just survive against the Cleveland Cavaliers-they dominated, delivering a 136-point statement that showed exactly how this team can hold its own even without key contributors. It wasn’t just a win; it was a blueprint for how the Thunder can navigate adversity and come out the other side looking even more dangerous.
Let’s break down how they did it-and why this version of the Thunder still has plenty of bite.
Chet Holmgren Steps Into the Spotlight
Chet Holmgren has never been the kind of player to chase shots or force the issue. His game is built on efficiency, versatility, and playing within the flow of the offense.
But with Williams sidelined, Oklahoma City needed him to do more than just fit in-they needed him to take charge. Holmgren answered that call in a big way.
He dropped 28 points on a blistering 11-of-16 from the field, showcasing the kind of offensive assertiveness that will be critical while the roster is shorthanded. Holmgren’s face-up game was particularly lethal-he was too quick for Cleveland’s bigs and too long for their wings. Whether he was isolating at the elbow or slipping into open space, Holmgren looked every bit the part of a go-to scorer.
His ability to exploit mismatches and create his own looks is a major development. If he continues playing with this level of confidence and aggression, it adds a new layer to the Thunder’s offense-one that doesn’t rely solely on Gilgeous-Alexander or Williams to carry the scoring load.
Ajay Mitchell Keeps the Offense Flowing
With Gilgeous-Alexander off the floor, Oklahoma City needed someone to steady the ship and keep the offense humming. Enter Ajay Mitchell.
The sophomore guard is already showing signs of being a high-level playmaker, and his performance against the Cavaliers only reinforced that. Mitchell dished out nine assists off the bench and was a +15 in the non-SGA minutes-a massive swing that tells the story of his impact.
Mitchell’s ability to break down defenses, drive the lane, and find open shooters or cutters is exactly what the Thunder need right now. He’s not just filling in-he’s running the show when called upon. That kind of composure and playmaking from a young guard is rare, and it’s a big reason why Oklahoma City didn’t just tread water without their star-they thrived.
Defense Still Defines This Team
Even with Hartenstein out, the Thunder’s defensive identity hasn’t gone anywhere. They’re still one of the league’s best at forcing turnovers, and that edge is keeping them in control of games-even when they’re losing the rebounding battle.
And let’s be clear: the rebounding issue is real. Since Hartenstein went down on December 28, opponents have grabbed 34.1% of available offensive boards against the Thunder-the fourth-highest rate in the league over that span.
In just the last three games, the Rockets, Heat, and Cavaliers combined for 45 more offensive rebounds than OKC. That’s a glaring gap.
But the Thunder are finding ways to offset it. Their ability to generate live-ball turnovers and get out in transition is helping them win the possession game in other ways. It’s not a perfect formula, but it’s keeping them competitive while they wait for their frontcourt anchor to return.
Three-Point Shooting Unlocks Everything
When the Thunder are hitting from deep, they’re a completely different animal. Against Cleveland, they shot 48.9% from three-and the result was a 136-point explosion. That kind of spacing changes everything.
It stretches defenses, opens up driving lanes, and gives Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Mitchell more room to operate inside the arc. It’s not just about the points from beyond the line-it’s about the ripple effect those shots create.
And right now, Luguentz Dort is the X-factor in that equation. He’s shooting 40.2% from deep over his last 15 games.
If he keeps that up, it forces defenses to stay honest, which in turn makes life easier for the Thunder’s primary creators. Dort’s development as a reliable shooter might be one of the most underrated storylines in OKC’s season so far.
A Team That Knows Who It Is
This win wasn’t just about one player stepping up. It was about a team that knows its identity, even when key pieces are missing.
Holmgren took on more responsibility. Mitchell ran the offense with poise.
The defense stayed aggressive. The shooters knocked down their looks.
That’s the kind of collective effort that wins games in the regular season-and builds confidence for the postseason.
The Thunder aren’t just surviving without their stars. They’re evolving. And if this game was any indication, they’re going to be a problem-no matter who’s in the lineup.