On Wednesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured their 11th consecutive victory with a thrilling 129-122 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending Oklahoma’s 15-game win streak. The game marked a turning point for the Cavaliers, showcasing their growth and ability to win tough games.
Cleveland’s head coach, Kenny Atkinson, shared that his players reflected on how the team wouldn’t have been able to pull off such a win last year, signaling their progress. Despite franchise star Donovan Mitchell struggling with his shooting, Cleveland’s role players stepped up, including Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland, who played pivotal roles in securing the win.
In the game, Mobley and Allen combined for 46 points and 21 rebounds, dominating inside and providing crucial offensive rebounds and dunks. Mobley, in particular, displayed growth, contributing on both ends of the floor. Garland also had an impactful performance with 18 points and 7 assists, including the game-sealing bucket in the final seconds.
Cleveland’s victory not only solidified their position as one of the top teams in the league but also put them on track to potentially match the Golden State Warriors’ record of 73 regular-season wins.
The game was highly anticipated, with both teams on pace for 70 wins. The extra two days of preparation contributed to the elevated atmosphere, making the game feel like a spring postseason matchup. Both teams were eager to prove themselves, and the excitement was palpable as the game unfolded.
Atkinson likened the energy to that of the NCAA tournament, where teams battle with high stakes and immense pressure. The Cavaliers’ strong all-around performance in such a high-energy game reflected their maturity and team unity.
The game lived up to the hype, with 30 lead changes and eight ties, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. While Mobley, Allen, and Garland stood out, contributions from Max Strus and Ty Jerome off the bench—combining for 32 points—also played a key role in the win.
However, it was Mobley’s continued ascension that stole the spotlight, particularly when he hit a crucial shot in the final moments. Mobley’s performance highlighted his development into a reliable offensive and defensive force, with Allen noting that the national audience was starting to recognize Mobley’s growing impact.
For Oklahoma City, despite the loss, there were positive individual performances, including MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 31 points.
However, he struggled with his shooting efficiency, needing 27 attempts to reach that total. Jalen Williams also had a strong game, bouncing back from a poor performance against the Boston Celtics with 25 points and 9 assists. The Thunder, while disappointed, were aware that they still had room to grow and improve, and that this loss wouldn’t define their season.
Looking ahead, both teams have the potential to meet again in the postseason, with the game highlighting the difference that key absences could make. For the Thunder, missing players like Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso could have altered the game’s outcome.
Despite this, Oklahoma City remained confident in its growth and capability to compete with the best. As for the Cavaliers, the win bolstered their belief that they are legitimate title contenders, with Mitchell stating that they knew their worth long before the national media began to take notice.