OKLAHOMA CITY — The Cleveland Cavaliers nearly pulled off an massive comeback Wednesday night, but their fourth-quarter rally fell short in a 124-116 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points, including four three-pointers in the closing minutes, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander answered with 42 points to help Oklahoma City complete a two-game sweep of Cleveland.
The Cavaliers fell behind early, struggling to find their offensive rhythm as the Thunder built a 37-20 lead after the first quarter. Oklahoma City extended its advantage to 24 points during the second quarter before Cleveland managed to close the gap to 60-44 at halftime.
Cleveland opened the third quarter with a much better effort, scoring nine consecutive points to cut the deficit to 60-53. James Harden led the early surge, scoring seven of those points, but the Thunder responded and eventually carried an 88-74 lead into the final quarter.
Harden finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Evan Mobley added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots. Mitchell struggled offensively during the first three quarters, scoring just 13 points before finding his shooting touch late.
Oklahoma City continued to control the game early in the fourth quarter, extending its lead to 96-77 with 10:33 remaining. However, Cleveland began chipping away at the deficit, getting contributions from Mario Hezonja, Tyrese Proctor, and Meleek Thomas as the offense started generating better opportunities.
Mitchell took over down the stretch, connecting on four three-pointers during the final 3:11. His last three cut Oklahoma City's lead to 117-111 with 47 seconds remaining, bringing the Cavaliers within six points after they had trailed by as many as 24.
The Thunder responded at the free-throw line, with Gilgeous-Alexander making six consecutive attempts in the final 40 seconds. Cleveland continued fighting, but Oklahoma City protected its lead and secured the eight-point victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 42 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, following his 43-point performance against Cleveland on Monday. Clearly the Cavs can't contain Gilgeous-Alexander, let along stop him. Ajay Mitchell added 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Bennett Stirtz contributed 16 points.
Cleveland outscored Oklahoma City 42-36 in the final quarter, but the slow start proved too much to overcome. The Cavaliers have now lost consecutive meetings with the Thunder, falling 117-112 on Monday before Wednesday's defeat.
What's Next
The Cavaliers return to Rocket Arena on Friday, November 6, to face the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET.
