Gilgeous Alexander Scores 43 to Lead Thunder Past Cavaliers

Thunder bounce back behind big night from Gilgeous Alexander

Shai Gilgeous Alexander scored a season high 43 points and made a go ahead 3 pointer with 32.6 seconds remaining to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-112 on Monday night at Rocket Arena. It was the first game of a two game series.

Oklahoma City had suffered two straight road losses by 20 points or more while dealing with long term injuries to three starters. Gilgeous Alexander attempted 35 shots, the most by any NBA player in the first two weeks of the season, making 14 of them. He also went 11 of 12 from the free throw line in 38 minutes of playing time, matching his highest scoring total in 17 career games against Cleveland.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his star player after the win. He said Gilgeous Alexander was putting a ton of pressure on their defense and had the look in his eye, so they rode him offensively. Daigneault added that it is not their identity for 82 games, but on some nights when you have a player like that, you cut him loose and he delivered in a big way.

Tight fourth quarter decides the outcome

The game feature 15 lead changes and two ties in the first half before Oklahoma City went on a 16-6 run over the last five minutes of the second quarter to take a 59-48 lead at halftime. The Thunder built that lead to 69-55 early in the third quarter after two free throws from Gilgeous Alexander.

Cleveland fought back by making 9 of 17 shots from 3 point range in the third quarter and started the fourth quarter with an 18-9 run. The final period saw eight ties and eight lead changes.

After Gilgeous Alexander hit his fourth 3 pointer of the night, Cleveland shooter Sam Merrill missed a corner shot. Ajay Mitchell then sank two free throws with 15.4 seconds remaining to make it a two possession game. Mitchell scored 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein pulled down 14 rebounds for Oklahoma City.

First home loss of the season for Cleveland

The result marked the first home defeat in four games for Cleveland this season. Rookie Meleek Thomas made his first NBA start and tied Donovan Mitchell for the team lead with 17 points. Mitchell added 11 assists, while Evan Mobley scored 16 points.

The two teams play each other again on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

What it means for the next game

Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA, Thu, 05 Nov): Oklahoma City Thunder win 70%, Cleveland Cavaliers win 30%; projected score Oklahoma City Thunder 117, Cleveland Cavaliers 111. Our safest pick: Cavaliers +14.5.

Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA, Sat, 07 Nov): Cleveland Cavaliers win 49%, Philadelphia 76ers win 51%; projected score Cleveland Cavaliers 118, Philadelphia 76ers 116. Our safest pick: Cavaliers +6.5.