NBA: Was that a potential NBA Finals preview?
A battle of titans
The Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder in a highly anticipated matchup, with both teams boasting impressive records. Prior to the tip-off, the two teams became the first in 53 years to have 30-plus wins through 35 games in the same season.
The game
The Oklahoma City Thunder jumped to a 32-25 lead in the first quarter, but the Cleveland Cavaliers responded with a 37-27 second period, intensifying the back-and-forth affair. Donovan Mitchell, expected to lead the charge, had a disappointing game, scoring only 11 points on 3 of 16 shooting. However, Jarrett Allen (25 points) and Evan Mobley (21 points) stepped up, and the bench provided a significant lift, with Max Strus and Ty Jerome contributing 17 and 15 points, respectively.
Thunder struggles without Holmgren
The Oklahoma City Thunder played without star center Chet Holmgren, who is still recovering from a rare hip injury. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams led the team with 31 and 25 points, respectively, but the bench struggled, with only Aaron Wiggins recording double-digit figures.
Record-breaking starts
The Cleveland Cavaliers moved to 32-4, the best record in the NBA, while the Oklahoma City Thunder dropped to 30-6. The Cavaliers are now six games ahead of the Boston Celtics, the reigning champions, in the Eastern Conference. The Thunder, on the other hand, maintain a decent lead as the top seed in the Western Conference, with the Houston Rockets trailing at 24-12.
Next match-up
The two teams will meet again on January 16, with the Thunder hosting the Cavaliers in a chance for revenge. Only time will tell if both teams can sustain their current form and meet again in the NBA Finals.
Conclusion
The matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder was a thrilling display of basketball, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. While the Cavaliers’ bench proved to be a game-changer, the Thunder’s struggles without Chet Holmgren were evident. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if these teams can maintain their impressive form and ultimately meet in the NBA Finals.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder?
A: The Cleveland Cavaliers won 129-122.
Q: Which players led the scoring for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
A: Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley scored 25 and 21 points, respectively, while Max Strus and Ty Jerome added 17 and 15 points, respectively.
Q: Who led the scoring for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams scored 31 and 25 points, respectively.
Q: What is the current record of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder?
A: The Cleveland Cavaliers are 32-4, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are 30-6.
