Cavs Beat Thunder in Historic Battle Called a Potential NBA Finals Preview by Fans
Andrew PetersJanuary 9, 2025
David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images
NBA fans might have gotten an early look at this year’s Finals on Wednesday.
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 129-122 in one of the most exciting games of the season thus far. Heading into the contest, there had never been a team on a 15-game win streak face off against a team on a 10-game winning run. Ultimately, it was Cleveland that kept its sequence going as it made it 11 in a row.
The game was highlighted by a plethora of lead changes, but Cleveland had the edge heading down the stretch. But the Thunder got right back into the game, cutting the Cavs’ lead to just two points with a minute and a half to play.
Cleveland, feeding off a rowdy home crowd, held strong on defense, though, while also getting the shots it needed on the offensive end to escape with the win.
It was a slow night for Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, who had just 11 points, but Cleveland’s frontcourt stepped up as Jarrett Allen had 25 points, 12 boards and six assists while Evan Mobley had 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a big night with 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to carry his team past the Cavs.
Delayed Draw @GB_Delayed_DrawNo matter who wins this game, it’s been a fun battle. Wouldn’t be sad to see a Thunder/Cavs finals this year.#ThunderUp
StatMuse @statmuseThat’s right.
26 lead changes. pic.twitter.com/6UpzqGO77k
Terence Fluellen @FLU_2ColdThis is real ball right now. Cavs Thunder is cooking.
PICKLE RICK @IAMKINGJUNCavs/Thunder game is everything I expected it to be
fRaNkiE_jR. @kofi_shintoCavs v Thunder 🔥
. @WallabeeesI wouldn’t even be mad at a Cavs-Thunder Finals
Jahmeir D. ✠@JDCowboys228 lead changes and 7 ties in the Cavs vs Thunder game. These are the two best teams in the association currently
Henry Ettinger @hedging_henryHave the Cavs and Thunder been more than like 8 points apart this entire game? This game rocks.
Irrelevant Legend @juckshot_4Cavs Thunder rn is real hoops
Shlomo Sprung @SprungOnSportsCavs-Thunder is probably better than any NFL regular season game this year
Josh Rosen @JoshimpressionsThis Thunder-Cavs game is BOX OFFICE. Looks like a Finals preview.
The Cavaliers now hold the best record in the NBA at 31-4 and have all the makings of a Finals team. While the Thunder dropped to 30-5 with the loss, they’re still in the driver’s seat in the Western Conference.
Cleveland and Oklahoma City will meet again in just over a week, and the second contest should be just as enthralling as the first.
