The Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive runs in the NBA, with both teams claiming significant victories on Sunday night. The Thunder’s defensive masterclass against the Boston Celtics earned them their franchise-record 15th consecutive win, while the Cavaliers extended their home win streak to 18 games and their overall win streak to 10 with a triumph over the Charlotte Hornets. Meanwhile, the Rockets edged out the Lakers, and the Kings dominated the Warriors to add excitement to an action-packed night in the league.
Thunder Break Franchise Record with Win Over Celtics
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 33 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics 105-92, marking their 15th straight victory—a new franchise record. The Thunder, leaders of the Western Conference with a 30-5 record, held the Celtics to just 27 points in the second half and snapped Boston’s three-game winning streak.
The win showcased Oklahoma City’s resilience, as they erased a 12-point deficit for the fourth consecutive game. Forward Luguentz Dort stepped up in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 14 points, including three crucial three-pointers in the final minutes.
SUNDAY’S FINAL SCORES
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes the NBA lead in 30-PT games this season as the @okcthunder win a franchise-best 15th consecutive game!
Aaron Wiggins: 15 PTS, 3 3PM
Lu Dort: 14 PTS, 6 REB, 4 3PM pic.twitter.com/pRRpVv558n— NBA (@NBA) January 6, 2025
“We’re out there having fun,” Dort said postgame. “Anytime somebody does something well, we’re always out there cheering for them. We’ve been building this chemistry for years, and we’re clicking right now.”
The Thunder’s defense proved impenetrable in a game widely regarded as a potential NBA Finals preview. Oklahoma City will face their next Eastern Conference challenge on Wednesday against the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cavaliers Notch 10th Straight Win, Remain Unstoppable at Home
The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their remarkable season with a 115-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, improving their league-best record to 31-4. Darius Garland led Cleveland with 25 points, while Jarrett Allen contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell, after a slow start, added 19 points to seal the Cavaliers’ 10th consecutive win.
With an 18-1 home record, Cleveland remains dominant at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where they have built a fortress-like reputation. The Cavaliers’ ability to execute both offensively and defensively has made them a formidable opponent, and they now prepare for a highly anticipated clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Rockets Edge Out Lakers in a Thriller
In Houston, Jalen Green delivered a standout performance with 33 points, helping the Rockets secure a 119-115 win over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Rookie Amen Thompson shone with 23 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, providing crucial contributions on both ends of the court.
Fred VanVleet made the game’s defining play, stealing an inbounds pass intended for LeBron James with 5.7 seconds remaining. Fouled on the play, VanVleet sank one of two free throws, sealing the Rockets’ victory.
The Lakers, who trailed by 22 points in the first half, mounted a comeback led by Anthony Davis, who scored 22 of his 30 points in the second half and grabbed 13 rebounds. LeBron James added 21 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists but couldn’t lead the Lakers over the hump.
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Kings Dominate Warriors Without De’Aaron Fox
The Sacramento Kings showcased their depth with a commanding 129-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, despite missing star guard De’Aaron Fox. Malik Monk stepped up with 26 points and 12 assists, while Domantas Sabonis contributed 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
Sacramento’s fourth consecutive win saw them overpower the Warriors, who never led in the game. Stephen Curry scored 26 points for Golden State, but the team’s struggles were evident as coach Steve Kerr benched all his starters in the fourth quarter.
The Kings’ balanced attack and efficient ball movement were key to their success, demonstrating why they remain a competitive force in the Western Conference.
Other NBA Highlights
- Thunder’s Next Challenge: With the Boston Celtics defeated, the Thunder now look forward to a clash against the Cavaliers, pitting the league’s top two teams against each other in Cleveland on Wednesday.
- Cavaliers’ Stellar Defense: Cleveland’s defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of their success, as they held the Hornets to just 40% shooting from the field and forced 15 turnovers.
- Rockets Show Resilience: Houston’s young core continues to impress, with Amen Thompson emerging as a potential future star alongside Jalen Green. The victory over the Lakers showcased the team’s growth and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
- Warriors’ Struggles Continue: Golden State’s inconsistency remains a concern, with the team falling to 18-15 on the season. Despite Curry’s brilliance, the Warriors’ defense has been their Achilles’ heel, and they’ll need to regroup quickly to stay competitive in the West.
