The Cleveland Cavaliers achieved their 11th consecutive win on Wednesday night by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 129 to 122 in an exciting yet historical matchup at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. This game marked the very first chapter in NBA history that depicts two teams who have double addiction to winning: Cleveland’s 10-game streak versus the other franchise record, Oklahoma City, which boasts of winning 15 games in a row against each other.
Cavaliers were spearheaded by Jarrett Allen, who was able to score a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds, among his other outputs. Evan Mobley contributed a stellar all-around performance with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while Darius Garland** demonstrated his value by making crucial plays at the ends of the court in the game, securing both for the final minutes of the game.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a coming-out party in the fullest sense of the word showcasing his possibilities as a superstar by leading all scorers with 31 points while Jalen Williams added 25 with 9 dimes. The two, of course, regrettably lost the record-breaking streak of the Oklahoma City franchise, being already called by fans and analysts as what might turn into a preview of the NBA Finals.
“This was a battle of two elite teams playing at the highest level,” said Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff,” The intensity, the crowd, and the execution on both sides—it felt like a playoff game. I’m proud of how our guys stayed poised.”
The lead went back and forth as much as 30 times through the game, never with either team ahead by more than seven points. The game was decided when the Cavaliers had a three-point lead with only 1:19 left when Mitchell got a foul turned into a turnover which gave Cleveland the ball. Mobley and Garland would then show clutch baskets to seal the win.
While the Cavaliers improved to a league-best 32-4, the Thunder stood at 30-6. Promisingly bright beginning for the Cavaliers and emerging into thunder over the West, early expectation of finals is mounting.
“We would happy if we could maintain our streak, but credit to Cleveland-they earned it tonight,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “Great test and learn as a team.”
The Cavs would be vying for their 12th straight win against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, while the Thunder would look to get payback against the Denver Nuggets at home. For now, fans can bask in the hope that this is going to be the best rivalry game in the league.
