NBA Game of the Week: Cavs vs. Thunder

NBA Game of the Week: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Two of the best teams in the league will be going at it after seeing each other not too long ago.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be traveling this time to face the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center.

The Cavs were victorious in a game that stayed competitive till very late in the 4th quarter. Cleveland snapped a then 15-game winning streak the Thunder had.

The Thunder have remained hot ever since that loss. They have won three straight heading into the game Thursday night.

Cleveland dropped a game vs. the Indiana Pacers, but got their revenge on the road Tuesday night 127-117.

Both teams have won four of their last five games.

Superstar talent will be featured heavily in this rematch, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Shai has been one of the best point guards in the league this season, averaging 31.4 points per game, which ranks second in the league, trailing only Giannis by 0.1 entering Thursday.

The constant offensive efficiency from Shai has proven to be crucial in the success of the Thunder this season.

Another star that will be sharing the floor with Gilgeous-Alexander is Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell has proven to be the go-to guy in the clutch, and has created a huge impact for Cleveland since coming over from the Utah Jazz back in 2022.

Mitchell has managed to average 23.1 PPG along with 4.5 assists per game.

Alongside Mitchell is young star Darius Garland, who has really broken out since Spida’s arrival.

Garland has been a great scorer and facilitator for the Cavs. He averages 21 points a game to go along with 6.7 assists.

The breakout of Garland has been key for Cleveland’s quest for a championship and will want to succeed for the rest of the season and into the playoffs.

The Cavs also bring a formidable backcourt comprising young stars with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

This impressive young duo has been getting it done for Cleveland in the paint. Mobley is averaging 19 PPG with nine rebounds. Allen is averaging a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards per game.

For the Thunder, they also have talent in the backcourt with Isiah Hartenstein. The second-round pick from Houston is averaging a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds per game.

These squads have complete teams from top to bottom, and it is proven in a big way when you see they are the top two teams in the power rankings.

Both of these teams are the only two teams to still have single digit losses. The Cavs are a league best 34-5 while the Thunder trail them with a 33-6 record.

These squads also rank in the top 10 in terms of scoring, as the Cavs rank No. 2 in the league with 122.3 points per game.

The Thunder rank No. 8 with 116.2 points per game.

It may be too early to say, but this could be a potential finals preview if these teams continue their dominant and consistent play.

Tune in at 7:30 p.m. EST on TNT for another clash between these two juggernauts.

Ben Barker is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email bsb5566@psu.edu.