The Oklahoma City Thunder played against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night at the Paycom Center. Going into the game, the Cavs had the best record in the NBA. However, the Thunder’s star man Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had other plans. He dropped a masterclass on the Cavs, equaling their best record with the Thunder and the Cavs both 34-6 in the NBA.
On Thursday night, SGA was unstoppable. He assisted the Oklahoma City Thunder to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 134-114. Also, in just 29 minutes on the court, he scored 40 points, shooting 17–26 from the field and making all five free-throw tries. In addition, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded two steals, three rebounds, and eight assists.
SGA has been making rounds on the internet for his transition slam dunk. During the 3rd quarter, SGA took possession of the ball below his side’s rim and ran all the way to the opposition’s half to score a wonderful transition slam. SGA was at his best against the Cavs, who have remained a dominant force this season.
SHAI UP TO 30 PTS WITH THE TRANSITION SLAM!
📺 CLE-OKC in the 3Q on TNT pic.twitter.com/NxOSpWUxiX
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2025
Aside from SGA, Jalen Williams contributed 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks on Thursday, while Lu Dort scored 22 points. As for the Cavs, with 20 points and nine assists, Darius Garland was the Cavaliers’ top scorer. Donovan Mitchell, who scored 11 points in the team’s most recent game against the Thunder, finished with eight points on 3-for-15 shooting.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault drops huge praise for his star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up for his side this time around against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Because, in their previous matchup, it was the Cavs that snatched the win on their home court. Now, SGA and Co. bounced back with the star man dropping a game-high 40 points on them, leaving his head coach Mark Daigneault in awe.
No. He just looked the same. That’s why he’s so good. He’s like that pretty much every night. He was on it.
After the game, Mark Daigneault said
Mark Daigneault, when asked if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was trying to send a message to the Cavs:
“No. He just looked the same. That’s why he’s so good. He’s like that pretty much every night. He was on it”
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) January 17, 2025
In this one, the Cavs, one of the league’s top defensive teams, faced defeat. In the first three quarters, the Thunder’s shooting percentage was 60.3%. Notably, the team’s top rebounder, center Isaiah Hartenstein, was sidelined due to a strained left calf. Despite that, the Thunder dominated almost everything else and held themselves out on the boards.
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