Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
Oklahoma City ThunderOpen full analysis
Oklahoma City defeated Cleveland 121–113 on February 22 at Paycom Center, staying undefeated at home with a balanced offensive performance. I. Joe led the Thunder with 22 points, while C. Wallace added 20 as Oklahoma City shot 48.8 percent from the field and made 21 three-pointers to control the pace. The Cavaliers' J. Harden and D. Mitchell each scored 20 points, but Cleveland managed only 13 three-pointers on 48.3 percent shooting and committed 17 turnovers compared to Oklahoma City's 16. The Thunder's fourth quarter proved decisive, outscoring Cleveland 32–27 to seal the win well below the 228.5-point Vegas total, which finished at 234 combined points. Oklahoma City's defensive rating of 110.4 held firm despite the Cavaliers' balanced scoring, while Cleveland's 121.0 defensive rating showed vulnerability in transition. The loss drops Cleveland further behind in the Eastern Conference standings as Oklahoma City extends its Western Conference lead.
