CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers got off to a solid start against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, but a rough second quarter has left them trailing 59-48 at halftime.
Cleveland led 30-26 after the opening quarter, getting contributions from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Mitchell connected on a pair of three-pointers, while Mobley provided an early scoring presence around the basket.
The Thunder turned things around in the second quarter, outscoring Cleveland 33-18 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell. Oklahoma City took advantage of Cleveland's offensive struggles and began pulling away late in the half.
The Cavaliers briefly pulled within a point at 43-42 following a three-point play by Allen with 5:22 remaining. However, Gilgeous-Alexander answered with a three-pointer, and Oklahoma City gradually extended its lead. A pair of late baskets by Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell pushed the Thunder's advantage to 11 points heading into the break.
Cleveland also struggled to generate consistent offense in the closing minutes, committing turnovers and missing several opportunities to cut into the deficit. The Cavaliers managed just one point over the final three minutes of the half, allowing Oklahoma City to build its largest lead.
The Cavaliers will need a much better offensive effort after halftime, particularly against Oklahoma City's defensive pressure.
