Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder Past Cavaliers Again

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points and provided eight assists as the Thunder defeated the Cavaliers 124-116 in Oklahoma City on November 4. It was Oklahoma City’s second victory over Cleveland in three nights; the Thunder had won 117-112 in Cleveland on Monday.

The Thunder built a 25-point lead in the second quarter, but Cleveland cut the margin to 60-44 by halftime. The Cavaliers opened the third quarter with nine straight points, including seven from James Harden, to close within seven.

Oklahoma City steadied itself, with rookie Bennett Stirtz hitting a three-pointer to make it 87-74. A layup by Ajay Mitchell later pushed the lead to 96-77. Stirtz finished with 16 points, while Mitchell scored 23.

The Cavaliers kept pressing. Oklahoma City was ahead 115-102 with 1:47 remaining when Donovan Mitchell made three consecutive three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 117-111 with 46.7 seconds left. He led Cleveland with 27 points. Harden had 19, and Evan Mobley recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 11 of 26 shots, including five three-pointers, and scored 15 points at the foul line. He had scored 43 in Monday’s win, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 32.6 seconds left. The Thunder, now 6-2, have won three of five games since three starters were sidelined with long-term injuries; Cleveland is 4-4. Cleveland hosts Philadelphia on Friday, while Oklahoma City visits Memphis.