Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points and handed out eight assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-116 on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Paycom Center, completing a two-game sweep.
Ajay Mitchell added 23 points and rookie Bennett Stirtz scored 16 as Oklahoma City improved to 6-2. The Thunder won despite missing three starters with long-term injuries and have gone 3-2 since losing those players.
Gilgeous-Alexander shot 11-for-26 from the field, including 5-for-11 from three-point range, and made 15 of 19 free throws. He followed his 43-point performance in Monday’s 117-112 victory in Cleveland, where he hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 32.6 seconds remaining.
Oklahoma City built a 25-point lead midway through the second quarter before Cleveland cut the deficit to 60-44 at halftime. The Cavaliers opened the third period with nine consecutive points, including seven from James Harden, to make it a seven-point game.
Stirtz responded with four 3-pointers, helping the Thunder restore control. His third-quarter shot from beyond the arc gave Oklahoma City an 87-74 lead, and Mitchell later extended the advantage to 96-77.
The Cavaliers continued to threaten in the closing minutes. Oklahoma City led 115-102 with 1:47 remaining before Donovan Mitchell made three consecutive 3-pointers, reducing the deficit to 117-111 with 46.7 seconds left.
Donovan Mitchell finished with 27 points, while Harden added 19 and Evan Mobley recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Cleveland fell to 4-4, while the Thunder remained unbeaten at home at 4-0.
The Cavaliers host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, Nov. 6. Oklahoma City visits the Memphis Grizzlies the same night.
