Cleveland Cavaliers End Oklahoma City Thunder’s 15-Game Streak in Thrilling 129-122 Victory
The Thunder arrived in Cleveland riding high on a 15-game winning streak, with their only blemish being a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup final— a result that didn’t count in the regular season standings. However, standing in their way was a Cavaliers team that had been equally impressive, showing why they were considered one of the league’s most formidable forces.
The game was historic in several ways, marking the first time in NBA history that teams with winning streaks of 10 and 15 games met in such a high-profile matchup. It was also just the third time in NBA history that two teams, both on pace for 70+ wins, faced off this deep into the regular season. Cleveland’s offense, ranked No. 1 in the NBA, clashed with Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense, making it an intriguing contest.
The game delivered exactly what was expected: a thrilling, back-and-forth affair that saw 30 lead changes and never more than a three-possession separation between the two teams. Cleveland’s offense ultimately prevailed, led by Jarrett Allen’s 25 points and Evan Mobley’s 21-point, 10-rebound performance. Despite an off-night from Donovan Mitchell, who scored 11 points on 3-for-16 shooting, the Cavaliers used a balanced team effort to pull away in the final moments.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up a game-high 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Cavaliers’ offensive onslaught. Jalen Williams also chipped in with 25 points, but Oklahoma City couldn’t keep pace with Cleveland’s fast-paced attack.
With the win, the Cavaliers improved to 32-4, further cementing their place as the top team in the NBA. The Thunder, meanwhile, fell to 30-6, but their remarkable 15-game streak, combined with their solid performance in this contest, keeps them in the conversation as one of the league’s most dangerous teams.
The two teams will meet again on January 16 in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will look to bounce back and even the score in what is sure to be another thrilling matchup.
