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The game remained competitive until the final moments, with the decisive play coming when Gilgeous-Alexander connected on a clutch 3-pointer with just 32.6 seconds left on the clock. The victory marked the first home loss of the season for the Cavaliers, who had previously been undefeated at Rocket Arena.
A dominant offensive display
Gilgeous-Alexander was the focal point of the Thunder's attack throughout the evening, attempting 35 shots—the highest volume by any
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised the star guard's intensity, noting that while the team's reliance on a single player isn't their standard identity, Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to pressure the defense was necessary. Supporting the offensive effort, Ajay Mitchell contributed 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein provided a significant presence in the paint by pulling down 14 rebounds.
Back-and-forth battle in Cleveland
The contest was defined by its competitive nature, featuring eight ties and eight lead changes in the final quarter alone. After the Thunder built a 59-48 halftime lead following a late 16-6 surge in the second quarter, the Cavaliers fought back in the third by shooting 9-of-17 from beyond the arc. Cleveland carried that momentum into the final period, opening with an 18-9 run, but they were unable to hold off the visitors in the closing seconds.
For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 assists, matching rookie Meleek Thomas, who scored 17 points in his first career NBA start. Evan Mobley added 16 points for the hosts. Following the conclusion of this matchup, the two teams are scheduled to face each other again on Wednesday in Oklahoma City to complete their two-game set.