In a thrilling matchup that lived up to its billing as a potential NBA Finals preview, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 129-122 on Wednesday night. The victory extended Cleveland’s winning streak to 11 games and improved their league-best record to 32-4, while snapping the Thunder’s franchise-record 15-game winning streak.
The showdown marked only the third time in NBA history that two teams with active winning streaks of 10 or more games faced off, and the first time since 2000 when the Los Angeles Lakers met Portland.
Big Men Dominate for Cleveland
Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen led the charge, scoring 25 points while adding 12 rebounds, six assists, and three steals. He was complemented by Evan Mobley, who delivered 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. The duo became the first Cavaliers teammates to post 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a single game since LeBron James and Dwyane Wade achieved the feat in 2017.
“We were scoring. They were scoring. It came down to which team put in more effort,” Allen said. “Evan and I are learning to work together. It’s a process, but we’re finding ways to make it work.”
Seven Cavaliers players scored in double figures, showcasing the depth of Cleveland’s roster. Darius Garland chipped in with 18 points, Max Strus added 17 off the bench, and Ty Jerome contributed 15 in a strong all-around team effort.
“Everybody is ready to play,” Allen noted. “We’re making the extra pass, finding the open man, and hitting shots when it counts.”
Thunder Fall Short Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s Heroics
Oklahoma City, entering the game with an 11-0 record against Eastern Conference opponents, was led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31 points. Jalen Williams contributed 25 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s balanced attack.
“It was a battle all night,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We had our chances, but credit to Cleveland—they made the key plays down the stretch.”
Despite the loss, the Thunder remain atop the Western Conference standings with a 30-6 record. They will host Cleveland in a rematch on January 16, where they will look to exact revenge.
A Game of Historical Proportions
The Cavaliers and Thunder entered the game with remarkable records against opposing conferences—Cleveland at 10-0 versus the West and Oklahoma City at 11-0 against the East. This marked the first time in NBA history that two teams with such dominant inter-conference records met during the regular season.
CAVS TOP THUNDER, MOVE TO 32-4
11 straight wins for the 2nd time this season pic.twitter.com/I5hPTqyQb8
— NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2025
Adding to the historical significance, it was only the second time in league history that two teams with at least 30 wins in their first 35 games faced off. The only previous instance occurred in the 1971-72 season when the Lakers played the Milwaukee Bucks.
Key Moments in the Game
The Cavaliers overcame a slow start from Donovan Mitchell, who scored only 11 points on 3-of-16 shooting. Mitchell missed his first seven shots but slammed home a dunk just before halftime, giving Cleveland a narrow 62-59 lead at the break.
Mitchell’s struggles continued into the second half, but his clutch three-pointer late in the third quarter gave the Cavaliers a 103-102 edge entering the final period. It was the first quarter in the NBA this season where both teams scored 40 or more points.
The game saw 30 lead changes and remained close until the final minute. With Cleveland leading 125-122, Mobley hit a driving floater with just over a minute remaining to extend the lead. Garland’s layup with 27 seconds left sealed the victory.
“We have the best record, but in games like this, you want to prove yourself—not just to everyone else, but to ourselves,” Mitchell said postgame.
Defense Meets Offense
The Cavaliers, boasting the NBA’s top defense, faced off against the league’s most accurate shooting team in the Thunder. Cleveland’s ability to disrupt Oklahoma City’s rhythm in the critical moments of the game proved to be the difference.
“This was about effort and execution,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We knew they would come at us hard, but our guys stayed focused and delivered when it mattered most.”
Other NBA Results
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers secured a 109-103 victory over the Washington Wizards, led by Tyrese Maxey’s 29 points. In Brooklyn, Malik Beasley’s 23 points powered the Detroit Pistons to a 113-98 win against the Nets.
In New York, Karl-Anthony Towns and O.G. Anunoby each scored 27 points as the Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors 112-98. Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam’s 26-point effort propelled the Indiana Pacers to a 129-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
What’s Next for the Cavaliers and Thunder?
With their streaks now at an end, both teams will look to bounce back in their upcoming games. The Cavaliers aim to maintain their league-best record and continue asserting themselves as championship contenders. Meanwhile, the Thunder will focus on regaining momentum and solidifying their position atop the Western Conference.
The highly anticipated rematch on January 16 will offer another chance for both teams to prove their mettle in what is shaping up to be a defining rivalry of the season.
READ NEXT:
