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NBA fans might have gotten an early look at this year’s Finals on Wednesday.
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 129-122 in one of the most exciting games of the season thus far. Heading into the contest, there had never been a team on a 15-game win streak face off against a team on a 10-game win streak. Ultimately, it was Cleveland that kept its win streak going as it made it 11 in a row.
The game was highlighted by a plethora of lead changes, but Cleveland had the edge heading down the stretch. The Thunder got right back into the game, however, cutting the Cavs’ lead to just two points with a minute and a half to play.
Cleveland, feeding off a rowdy home crowd, held strong on defense, though, while also getting the shots it needed on the offensive end to escape with the win.
It was a slow night for Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, who had just 11 points, but Cleveland’s frontcourt stepped up as Jarrett Allen had 25 points, 12 boards and six assists while Evan Mobley had 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a big night with 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to carry his team past the Cavs.
The Cavaliers now hold the best record in the NBA at 31-4 and have all the makings of a Finals team. While the Thunder dropped to 30-5 with the loss, they’re still in the driver’s seat in the Western Conference.
Cleveland and Oklahoma City will meet again in just over a week, and the second contest should be just as interesting as the first.