Jarrett Allen scored 25 points, and Evan Mobley contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers ended the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 15-game winning streak with a 129-122 victory on Wednesday night. The clash between the league’s top two teams lived up to the hype, featuring 30 lead changes and Finals-like intensity.
The Cavaliers extended their winning streak to 11 games and improved their league-best record to 32-4, including a perfect 11-0 against Western Conference teams. Despite an uncharacteristic off night from Donovan Mitchell, who managed just 11 points on 3-of-16 shooting, Cleveland’s depth shined.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, while Jalen Williams added 25. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 18 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists as Oklahoma City suffered its first loss since Dec. 1.
The pivotal moment came with 1:19 remaining and Cleveland leading 125-122. Mitchell was initially called for a loose ball foul, but a successful Cavs challenge overturned the call. On the ensuing possession, Mobley drained a clutch 10-footer to extend the lead to five and secure the win.
Cleveland’s victory further cemented its historic pace. Only four teams—Golden State (2015-16), Philadelphia (1966-67), the Los Angeles Lakers (1971-72), and Chicago (1995-96)—have had a better record through 36 games. Let’s grade the Cavaliers players for their performances tonight.Â
Jarrett Allen: A
Stats: 25 PTS, 12 REB (8 OREB, 4 DREB), 6 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 9-11 FG, 0-0 3PT, 7-10 FT, +7, 32 MIN
Allen dominated inside with 25 points, 12 rebounds (8 offensive), and 6 assists. His efficiency (9-for-11 FG) and ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities were instrumental in the Cavs’ victory. He also added 3 steals and a block, showcasing his defensive prowess, while committing no turnovers. Allen was a consistent force on both ends of the floor and earned the game’s top grade.
Evan Mobley: B+
Stats: 21 PTS, 10 REB (2 OREB, 8 DREB), 7 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 2 PF, 8-13 FG, 0-3 3PT, 5-7 FT, +8, 35 MIN
Mobley delivered a strong all-around performance with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. His ability to hit key shots, including a clutch jumper late in the game, was pivotal. However, his 3 turnovers and 0-for-3 shooting from deep slightly lowered his grade. Mobley’s defensive impact (1 steal, 1 block) and +8 plus-minus highlight his value in the win.
Darius Garland: B+
Stats: 18 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 7 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 7-15 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-2 FT, +7, 32 MIN
Garland scored 18 points and dished out 7 assists, controlling the offense with poise. He shot efficiently (7-for-15 FG, 2-for-6 3PT) and made clutch plays down the stretch. While he didn’t contribute much defensively or on the boards, his offensive contributions were key to the Cavaliers’ success, as reflected in his +7 plus-minus.
Max Strus: B+
Stats: 17 PTS, 3 REB (1 OREB, 2 DREB), 5 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 2 PF, 6-7 FG, 5-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, +1, 26 MIN
Strus had an outstanding shooting night, scoring 17 points on 6-for-7 shooting, including 5-for-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and create space for teammates was crucial. Though his contributions outside of scoring were limited (3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 turnovers), his shooting efficiency earned him a strong grade.
Dean Wade: C+
Stats: 11 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, 4-5 FG, 3-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, 0, 21 MIN
Wade contributed 11 points off the bench, shooting efficiently (4-for-5 FG, 3-for-4 3PT). However, his overall impact was minimal, with just 3 rebounds and 1 assist. His +0 plus-minus reflects a neutral performance, but his scoring punch provided a boost when needed.
Ty Jerome: B
Stats: 15 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 1 PF, 6-7 FG, 0-0 3PT, 3-4 FT, +2, 12 MIN
Jerome was a spark off the bench, scoring 15 points on 6-for-7 shooting in just 12 minutes. His ability to score efficiently, along with 2 steals, helped Cleveland maintain momentum during key stretches. Although his 3 turnovers were a blemish, Jerome’s offensive production outweighed his mistakes.
Donovan Mitchell: C+
Stats: 11 PTS, 6 REB (1 OREB, 5 DREB), 4 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 3-16 FG, 2-7 3PT, 3-4 FT, +8, 35 MIN
Mitchell struggled offensively, managing only 11 points on 3-for-16 shooting. Despite his scoring woes, he contributed with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and a +8 plus-minus, showing he impacted the game in other ways. However, his inefficiency and 4 personal fouls hurt his overall grade.
Caris LeVert: C+
Stats: 8 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 3-9 FG, 2-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, -9, 20 MIN
LeVert had a quiet night with 8 points on 3-for-9 shooting. His 2 assists and lack of turnovers were positives, but his -9 plus-minus highlighted his limited impact. LeVert’s shooting struggles and defensive lapses kept him from contributing more effectively.
Georges Niang: C
Stats: 3 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 1-5 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, -1, 14 MIN
Niang scored just 3 points in 14 minutes, going 1-for-5 from the field. While he added 2 rebounds and 2 assists, his shooting inefficiency and -1 plus-minus reflected a below-average performance. Niang’s defensive contributions were minimal, further lowering his grade.
Isaac Okoro: C
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB (0 OREB, 0 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-2 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, +12, 13 MIN
Okoro had a scoreless night, missing both of his shot attempts. He did contribute 1 assist and 1 steal in 13 minutes, and his +12 plus-minus suggests he played solid defense during his time on the floor. However, his lack of offensive production keeps his grade at average.
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