Thunder Edge Cavaliers in Cleveland After Late Rally
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland on November 2, despite missing six players. Cleveland erased a 15-point deficit and briefly took the lead before Oklahoma City held on.
The Cavaliers opened their home-and-home series against an injury-depleted Thunder team, which had six players unavailable. Cleveland was also without Peyton Watson and Jaylon Tyson, and rookie Meleek Thomas made his first career start. The Cavaliers led 30-26 after the first quarter, but Oklahoma City seized control in the second and went into halftime ahead 59-48. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 17 points by the break; Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen led Cleveland with nine apiece.
Cleveland cut into the deficit with a sharp third quarter, making eight of its first 10 shots and six of its first eight three-point attempts. Sam Merrill, Mario Hezonja, James Harden and Thomas each hit from deep as the Cavaliers won the quarter 36-31. Oklahoma City still led 90-84 entering the final period.
The Cavaliers opened the fourth with a 5-0 run, then took a 94-93 lead after another 5-0 burst. The teams traded scores from there. Cleveland’s ball movement helped it stay close, but the Cavaliers also gave the Thunder extra chances by allowing offensive rebounds.
Evan Mobley helped fuel Cleveland’s late push, drawing fouls and scoring in the pick-and-roll. His free throws put the Cavaliers ahead 109-108, but Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder answered to secure a narrow win. The teams are set to meet again in the second game of their home-and-home series.