Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went absolutely off for 42 points and dished out eight assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a 124-116 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. This wasn’t just any win, either. It was the second time in three nights that the Thunder beat the Cavs, proving this team is for real, especially after already taking them down 117-112 in Cleveland earlier this week.
SGA Is Playing Like An Absolute MVP Candidate
Seriously, what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is doing right now is just unreal. Forty-two points, eight dimes, hitting 11 of 26 from the field, 5 of 11 from downtown, and sinking a ridiculous 15 of 19 free throws. This dude is a bucket machine. And get this: he had 43 points and hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with just 32.6 seconds left in that Monday win against Cleveland, too. He’s carrying this team and making it look easy. Cleveland just can’t find an answer for him.
This Thunder Team Is Built Different
The Thunder are sitting pretty at 6-2 on the season, and honestly, it’s pretty wild. Why? Because they’ve gone 3-2 since losing three starters to long-term injuries. That’s gutsy, right? Ajay Mitchell stepped up huge with 23 points, and rookie Bennett Stirtz added 16 points, including going 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. They might be down key guys, but this team is finding ways to win.
This game was a battle, too. OKC got out to a commanding 25-point lead midway through the second quarter, but Cleveland wasn’t going to roll over. The Cavs went on a 19-10 run to cut the halftime deficit to 60-44. Then, they dropped the first nine points of the third quarter, with James Harden netting seven of those, to make it a scary 60-53 game. But the Thunder weathered that storm. Stirtz hit a big three to push the lead back to 87-74, and Mitchell followed up with a layup that extended it to 96-77. Even when the Cavs tried another late rally, with Donovan Mitchell hitting three straight 3-pointers to cut it to 117-111 with under a minute left, the Thunder held firm. Donovan Mitchell finished with 27 for the Cavs, Harden had 19, and Evan Mobley posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 boards, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Thunder.
So what’s next? The Cavaliers are heading home to host Philadelphia on Friday night, while the Thunder will hit the road to play at Memphis. Can OKC keep this incredible start going, even with their roster challenges? You know we’ll be watching!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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