Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 42 as Thunder Hold Off Cavaliers
Oklahoma City defeated Cleveland 124-116 on Wednesday night, securing a second win in three days despite a late surge by Donovan Mitchell.
By Justin Barnes ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points and dished out eight assists for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. His performance helped the team secure a 124-116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The win marks the second time in three nights that Oklahoma City has defeated Cleveland. The Thunder previously won 117-112 in Ohio on Monday. Oklahoma City improved to a 6-2 record, while Cleveland dropped to 4-4.
Ajay Mitchell added 23 points for the Thunder. Rookie Bennett Stirtz contributed 16 points and hit four of his seven three-point attempts. The team is currently 3-2 since losing three starters to long-term injuries.
Cleveland closed the gap late in the game. Donovan Mitchell, who led the Cavs with 27 points, hit three consecutive three-pointers. Those shots cut the Oklahoma City lead to 117-111 with 46.7 seconds remaining. James Harden scored 19 points and Evan Mobley recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished 11 of 26 from the field and 5 of 11 from deep. He converted 15 of 19 free throws. The Thunder held a 25-point lead midway through the second quarter, but Cleveland trimmed it to 60-44 on a 19-10 run at the half.
The Cavaliers started the third quarter with nine straight points, seven of which came from Harden. Oklahoma City reasserted control when Stirtz hit a three-pointer to extend the lead to 87-74. The Thunder next play at Memphis on Friday, while Cleveland hosts Philadelphia.
