Cleveland Cavaliers 124-116 loss to Oklahoma City Thunder, Digi Mart USA News: A 17-point first-quarter deficit was too much to overcome as the Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-116, dropping to .500 with a 4-4 record.
The Cavs made a brief comeback at the start of the third quarter with an 18-3 run spanning the end of the first half and the start of the second, but could never break through. They made things interesting late with a flurry of three-pointers, but it was too late.
James Harden finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, and scored 10 points in the third quarter to help bring Cleveland within striking distance. However, the Thunder made a play right when they needed it.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated with 42 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Ajay Mitchell added 23 points and seven rebounds in an expanded role following key injuries to Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
The Cavs were without Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Jaylon Tyson (ankle), which led to a surprise start for Tyrese Proctor. The former Duke Blue Devil contributed 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting but limped off the court late in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury.
Donovan Mitchell tried to lead the Cavs to an upset, drilling three big three-pointers with just a few minutes remaining, but it was not enough. He finished with 27 points and six assists after a pedestrian first stretch before catching fire in the fourth quarter.
Evan Mobley had 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Mario Hezonja provided 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Facing a big deficit, head coach Kenny Atkinson went deep off the bench to former Cleveland State forward Tristan Enaruna in the second quarter. Some new blood helped, but the Cavs could not fully recover from the first-quarter hole.
Center Jarrett Allen suffered a knee injury in the first half and was quickly deemed doubtful to return. He finished with one rebound in seven minutes, and Hezonja started the second half in Allen’s absence.
The shorthanded Thunder were relentless, building a large lead and then holding the Cavs at arm’s length. They had a sloppy end to the second quarter that allowed Cleveland to crack the door open, but came out of the half just as flat.
The Cavs got within seven points but were never closer until late in the game.
If judged only by the first 15 minutes, the Cavs looked like a team ready to head home. However, there were some positive signs late in the game that should give them confidence heading into a Friday night NBA Cup showdown with LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Arena.
