Key Takeaways:
- Oklahoma City recorded 21 three-pointers at 51.2% accuracy to secure a 121-113 victory over Cleveland
- Isaiah Joe posted 22 points while Cason Wallace contributed a 20-point, 10-assist double-double for the depleted Thunder lineup
- Cleveland’s seven-game unbeaten streak ended despite 20 points each from Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Sam Merrill
Thunder Find Range to Overcome Injuries and Cavaliers
The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite being without several key players, delivered a remarkable shooting display on Sunday as they toppled the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-113. Missing starters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain), Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain), along with Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain) and Alex Caruso (sprained left ankle), Oklahoma City had to rely on their depth but managed to thrive from the perimeter.
Isaiah Joe fired in 22 points, connecting on six three-pointers, while rookie Cason Wallace impressed with 20 points and 10 assists. Chet Holmgren registered a double-double of his own, contributing 17 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.
Sunday W secured ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/51IKkkkuLL
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 22, 2026
Early Three-Point Barrage Sets the Tone
The Thunder mounted an explosive start, capitalising on five quick three-pointers – including three from Joe – to claim a commanding 28-5 opening advantage. By half-time, Oklahoma City had hit 14 of 22 attempts from three-point range (63.6%), but the Cavaliers, led by a buzzer-beating jumper from Donovan Mitchell, narrowed the deficit to 64-55 by the interval.
Cleveland’s Comeback Falls Short
Cleveland responded in the third quarter, spurred on by eight rapid points from Sam Merrill, eventually seizing a 69-68 lead – their first of the encounter – after a Jared Allen jumper. However, subsequent threes from Jared McCain and Joe enabled the Thunder to reestablish a 82-75 advantage. Jaylon Tyson’s three-pointer later drew the Cavaliers level at 86-apiece, keeping the contest finely balanced.
In the deciding stages, Oklahoma City strung together three consecutive triples from Lu Dort, Kenrich Williams, and Wallace to move out to a 102-95 lead. Isaiah Hartenstein tallied 10 points in the final quarter, but it was back-to-back jumpers from him that pushed the Thunder ahead 106-98, a margin they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game.
| Team | Three-Pointers Made | Three-Point Percentage | Turnovers Forced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 21/41 | 51.2% | 17 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 13/39 | 33.3% | 16 |
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers will next host the New York Knicks on Tuesday, aiming to bounce back after seeing their seven-game winning streak snapped. Meanwhile, the Thunder travel to Toronto for their next fixture.
