Key Takeaways:
- Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 136-104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reached his 30th 30-point game of the season, increasing his average to 31.8 points
- Cleveland endured their heaviest regular-season defeat in nearly two years, making just 22.9% from three-point range
Match Analysis
The Oklahoma City Thunder produced a clinical display to dispatch the Cleveland Cavaliers 136-104 in Cleveland, solidifying their status as the NBA’s leading team with a league-best 36-8 record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the offensive onslaught, notching another 30-point outing – his 30th such performance in 42 appearances this season. Chet Holmgren contributed 28 points, while the Thunder collectively tied their season high by sinking 23 three-pointers at a conversion rate of 48.9 per cent.
Starting the week with a W 🤝 pic.twitter.com/F1kdsyUfoQ
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 19, 2026
Shooting Masterclass from Beyond the Arc
Oklahoma City’s perimeter shooting proved pivotal, with Luguentz Dort registering five triples on the way to 18 points. Isaiah Joe and Chet Holmgren each added four three-pointers, with Joe tallying 16 points in total. The Thunder finished the match 10 of 13 from long range in the fourth quarter alone, underlining their offensive depth in the absence of Jalen Williams, who is sidelined with a right hamstring strain. Additional injury woes hit as Alex Caruso exited with right groin soreness and Jaylin Williams suffered a low back contusion during the first half.
Cavaliers Struggle at Home and From Distance
Cleveland suffered their most lopsided regular-season defeat since Kenny Atkinson assumed coaching duties. Their previous 30-point home loss came in a 37-point setback at Miami on 24 March 2024. The Cavaliers’ offensive challenges were highlighted by an 8 of 35 effort from three-point distance, resulting in a 22.9 per cent shooting percentage from deep – their second-worst figure this campaign. They have now dropped eight of their past 14 home fixtures and hold a 14-11 record at Rocket Arena after going 34-7 there last season.
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 19 points, with Jaylon Tyson contributing a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Jarrett Allen also posted 16 points in his milestone 600th NBA game.
Game Flow Highlights
The Cavaliers closed the gap to 50-45 following a three-pointer from De’Andre Hunter, but Oklahoma City responded with a 16-6 surge, capped by six points from Isaiah Joe and five from Luguentz Dort, to secure a 66-51 half-time advantage. The Thunder took full control with a 23-5 run in the final 3:33, during which seven of their concluding attempts were three-pointers.
Upcoming Fixtures
The Thunder are set to visit Milwaukee on Wednesday, while the Cavaliers travel to Charlotte for their next contest.
