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Short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers fall to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

joe buettner
·2 min read
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Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lamar Stevens (8) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lamar Stevens (8) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, his fourth consecutive with at least 30, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-100 on Friday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 21 shots and added eight assists and five rebounds. Jalen Williams added 17 points and made all three of his 3-point attempts.

Darius Garland had 31 points and 13 assists for Cleveland, which played again without All-Star Donovan Mitchell because of a groin injury.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, middle, passes the ball from between Oklahoma City Thunder guards Aaron Wiggins, left, and Josh Giddey during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, middle, passes the ball from between Oklahoma City Thunder guards Aaron Wiggins, left, and Josh Giddey during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

The Thunder won for the sixth time in eight games as they contend for a Western Conference play-in berth, while the Cavaliers finished their three-game road swing at 30-21.

The Thunder jumped out to an early lead before Cleveland’s imposing frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen slowed Oklahoma City’s attack.

Cleveland led 54-47 at halftime, despite shooting an abysmal 3 of 16 from 3-point range.

The Thunder erased the deficit to enter the fourth quarter tied at 78 and outscored Cleveland 34-22 in the final 12 minutes to run away with the win.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Josh Giddey had 15 points for the Thunder, while Aaron Wiggins netted 10 and grabbed seven boards.

The Thunder shot 52.6% from the floor, while Cleveland finished at 44.3% and made just 8 of 29 attempts from 3. Oklahoma City outrebounded Cleveland 46-37.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, looks to pass the ball away from Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lamar Stevens during the first second of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, looks to pass the ball away from Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lamar Stevens during the first second of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Tip-ins

Thunder: Starting guard Lu Dort, who’s averaging 14.1 points and 4.2 rebounds this season, missed Friday’s game with a hamstring injury. … Coach Mark Daigneault drew his third technical foul of the season following Cleveland’s early 10-0 run, which erased the Thunder’s early 12-4 advantage.

Cavaliers: The Cavaliers were also without Kevin Love (back). ... Ricky Rubio took Friday night off after playing 17 minutes in a 113-95 win over the Rockets on Thursday.

Up next

Cavaliers: Host Clippers on Sunday night.

Thunder: Host Warriors on Monday night.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Thunder rally in second half to beat Darius Garland, Cavs