Cleveland Cavaliers beat Oklahoma City Thunder 129-122 in Top-of-the-Table NBA Clash

Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley star as the Cavs extend their winning run in the NBA to 11.

Cleveland: In a highly anticipated matchup between the NBA's top two teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 129-122. The win extended Cleveland's streak to 11 consecutive games and improved their league-leading record to 32-4.

Cleveland’s balanced scoring approach saw seven players in double figures, with both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley recording double-doubles. Allen led the Cavaliers with 25 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Mobley added 21 points, 10 rebounds, and a team-high seven assists. Darius Garland contributed 18 points and seven assists, while Dean Wade and Donovan Mitchell both finished with 11 points.

The Cavaliers' defense was crucial in the final moments, as they held Oklahoma City to just one field goal in the game’s last four minutes. The Thunder had been on a 15-game winning streak and were undefeated against Eastern Conference teams.

Cleveland’s bench also played a significant role. Max Strus, returning from an ankle injury, finished with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Ty Jerome added 15 points in just under 12 minutes of play, shooting 6-of-7 from the field and contributing two steals. Jerome reflected on the game, highlighting the intensity and physicality of the matchup.

The victory also marked the Cavaliers' second win streak of at least 11 games this season and maintained their perfect record against Western Conference teams.

Following the win, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson remarked, “That was a beautiful game. I think it had a playoff atmosphere, playoff competition. Guys were competing. It was just pure basketball, pure competition.”

The Cavaliers will continue their homestand, hosting the Toronto Raptors on Thursday and then facing the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. The team will hit the road next week, starting with a meeting against the Pacers on Tuesday, followed by a rematch with the Thunder in Oklahoma City.