Thunder End Cavs' Win Streak
The Oklahoma City Thunder ended the Cleveland Cavaliers' 7-game winning streak with a 121-113 home victory on February 23. James Harden led Cleveland with 20 points and 9 assists, while Oklahoma City's Cason Wallace posted 20 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals. The Thunder built a commanding 40-25 first-quarter lead and closed strong in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
- The Thunder were playing without two of their regular starters, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, due to injuries. - Oklahoma City's offense was powered by exceptional three-point shooting, making 21 of their 41 attempts for a 51.2% success rate. - The victory improved the defending champion Thunder's Western Conference-leading record to 44-14. - Seven Thunder players scored in double figures, with Isaiah Joe leading the team with 22 points, including six three-pointers. - For the Cavaliers, Sam Merrill provided a spark off the bench, scoring 20 points and making 6 of his 10 three-point attempts. - Despite the loss, the Cavaliers stood at a strong 36-22 record, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. - The Thunder's win was their second of the season against the Cavaliers. - Cleveland's center Jarrett Allen was a force in the paint, securing 13 rebounds, 6 of which were on the offensive end.
