Thunder Snap Cavs' Win Streak
Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Cleveland Cavaliers 121-113 without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ending Cleveland's seven-game winning streak. Cason Wallace starred for OKC with 20 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals, while James Harden led the Cavs with 20 points and 9 assists. The loss came despite Cleveland's recent acquisition of Harden in a major trade.
- The Thunder secured the win despite also missing starter Jalen Williams and key reserves Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell due to injuries. - Oklahoma City's offense was propelled by its long-range shooting, converting 21 of 41 three-point attempts (51.2%), with Isaiah Joe making six of them to lead the team with 22 points. - The double-double was the first of Cason Wallace's career; he was one of seven Thunder players to score in double figures, including a 17-point, 15-rebound performance from Chet Holmgren. - The trade for James Harden, a former MVP, sent guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in early February. - Oklahoma City jumped out to a 28-5 lead in the first quarter, though Cleveland battled back to take a brief 69-68 lead in the third quarter before the Thunder pulled away again. - With the victory, the Thunder improved to 44-14, the best record in the Western Conference. - In addition to Harden, Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill also scored 20 points apiece for the Cavaliers. - The Cavaliers will look to rebound in their next game against the New York Knicks, while the Thunder are set to face the Toronto Raptors.
