OKLAHOMA CITY — The Cleveland Cavaliers won't have to wait long for another opportunity against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Just two nights after losing 117-112 at Rocket Arena, the Cavaliers will travel to Oklahoma City for Wednesday's rematch, hoping to correct the mistakes that cost them the first time around.

Cleveland enters the contest at 4-3, while Oklahoma City improved to 5-2 with Monday's victory. The Cavaliers had their chances in the first meeting, particularly during a fourth quarter that featured eight ties and eight lead changes, but couldn't finish the job.

The biggest problem was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a season-high 43 points, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 32.6 seconds remaining. Gilgeous-Alexander made 14 of 35 shots, went 11-for-12 at the free-throw line, and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter.

Cleveland tried everything they could against the Thunder star, including double-teams, switches, and zone defense, but never found an answer. The Cavaliers will need to make him work much harder this time around while preventing Oklahoma City's other players from taking advantage of the extra attention.

The Thunder are dealing with injuries to several important players, including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace. Despite those absences, Oklahoma City showed Monday that it remains a dangerous opponent, especially when Gilgeous-Alexander controls the offense.

Cleveland also needs more from its established offensive leaders. Donovan Mitchell finished Monday's game with 17 points and 11 assists, while rookie Meleek Thomas added 17 points in his first NBA start. Evan Mobley contributed 16 points, and Jarrett Allen finished with 14, but the Cavaliers will need better offensive execution to win on the road.

Free-throw shooting was another major problem. Cleveland made just 14 of 24 attempts, while Oklahoma City converted 21 of 23. In a game decided by five points, those missed chances loomed large.

Rebounding also hurt the Cavaliers. Oklahoma City collected 15 offensive rebounds and attempted eight more shots than Cleveland, while also holding a 50-30 advantage in points in the paint. Rebounding better will be just as important as slowing down Gilgeous-Alexander.

Wednesday provides an immediate opportunity to make those adjustments and earn a split in the two-game series.

Game Information

Prediction

Cleveland was close enough to win Monday despite poor free-throw shooting and an outstanding performance from Gilgeous-Alexander. With adjustments to its defense, a better night at the line, better rebounding, and more production from Mitchell and Mobley, the Cavaliers have a good chance to even the season series. Oklahoma City remains dangerous, but Cleveland should be better prepared this time around.

Cavaliers 120, Thunder 110