Main Story

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-high 43 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute, to lift an injury-depleted Oklahoma City Thunder past the Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-112. The win snapped Oklahoma City’s two-game skid, despite SGA shooting 40% from the field and several key teammates sidelined.

By the Numbers
  • Gilgeous-Alexander: 43 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
  • He went 14-for-35 from the field, 11-for-12 at the line and 4-for-8 from 3-point range.
  • Ajay Mitchell scored 20 points; Kenrich Williams added 12.
  • Cleveland shot 58% (14-for-24) on free throws; seven Cavaliers scored in double figures.
Yes, But

Oklahoma City got the win without Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace or Alex Caruso, but those absences leave major gaps—especially on defense. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35 shot attempts, tied for a career high, could signal a heavier offensive burden while the team’s leading supporting scorers are out.

State of Play
  • The Thunder improved to 5-2 with a makeshift starting lineup.
  • Oklahoma City’s late defensive stops and Cleveland’s poor free-throw shooting decided a close game.
What’s Next

The teams meet again Wednesday in Oklahoma City, giving the Thunder another chance to adapt to their reshuffled lineup.

Bottom Line

Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game shotmaking carried the Thunder through a depleted night—but sustaining their title ambitions will depend on how well the supporting cast fills the holes left by injuries.