Thunder hold off Cavs rally behind 42 from Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points and dished out eight assists to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 124-116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. The win marked the second time in three days that Oklahoma City has beaten Cleveland, following a 117-112 triumph in Ohio on Monday. Ajay Mitchell contributed 23 points, while rookie Bennett Stirtz added 16 for the Thunder, who are now 6-2 on the season.

The Thunder have maintained their competitiveness despite losing three starters to long-term injuries, currently holding a 3-2 record in games played since those departures. Cleveland, now 4-4, fought back from a significant deficit late in the game. Oklahoma City held a 115-102 lead with just 1:47 remaining on the clock.

Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 27 points for the Cavaliers, sank three consecutive three-pointers to narrow the gap to 117-111 with 46.7 seconds left. James Harden added 19 points, and Evan Mobley recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland. Gilgeous-Alexander shot 11 of 26 from the field, made five of 11 three-pointers, and converted 15 of 19 free throws.

The Cavaliers had already mounted a comeback effort earlier in the contest. After trailing by 25 points midway through the second quarter, Cleveland closed the half on a 19-10 run to pull within 60-44. The Cavaliers then started the third quarter with a nine-point run, seven of which came from Harden, to cut the lead to 60-53. Oklahoma City regained control with a 87-74 lead on a three-pointer by Stirtz, who hit four of seven attempts from beyond the arc.

The Thunder extended their advantage to 96-77 on a layup by Ajay Mitchell, though Cleveland continued to apply pressure throughout the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. The Thunder travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies also on Friday night.