The Cleveland Cavaliers won a game for the history books last night. With a 129-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Cavs not only ended the 15-game winning streak of the Western Conference leaders, but also extended their own streak to eleven wins.
This game was already considered an absolute treat in advance: two teams, each with double-digit winning streaks, meet – this has only happened three times in NBA history. And the game did not disappoint. With a total of 30 lead changes and no team ever leading by more than nine points, it was a thrilling back-and-forth affair.
The Thunder, led by another outstanding MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points), repeatedly scored. Jalen Williams also put in a strong performance with 25 points and nine assists. The German Isaiah Hartenstein also played a key role in the Thunder’s good performance. With 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, he just missed a double-double.
But the Cavaliers once again proved why they are currently the best team in the league. Despite a weak evening from top scorer Donovan Mitchell (11 points, 3 of 16 from the field), Cleveland was able to count on its depth and the performance of its frontcourt.
Mobley and Allen shine
Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley were the guarantors of the Cavs’ success. Allen scored 25 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out six assists. Mobley was right up there with him, notching 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. With a total of 60 points in the paint and 45 points from downtown, Cleveland once again showed its versatility.
A key moment in the run-up to the win occurred with just a minute and a half left on the clock: With the score at 125:122 in Cleveland’s favor, a foul by Mitchell was rescinded after a challenge. Mobley then scored an important bucket to extend the lead to five points and keep OKC at arm’s length for good.
Rematch possible soon
The Cavaliers improved to 32-4 with the win, while the Thunder remain on a strong record at 30-6. The next face-off between the two giants will take place soon: they meet again in Oklahoma City on the night of January 17.
