In OKC, James Harden loses his first game with the Cavaliers

With Spurs, Cavaliers were the hottest team in the NBA, with seven straight wins, at the time of this trip to Oklahoma City. And James Harden still hasn’t lost since coming to Ohio.

A streak that seems unlikely to last like Oklahoma City’s, despite being devoid of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso, is breaking through the first quarter. Aside from Donovan Mitchell, Kenny Atkinson’s other starters are out Thunder quickly builds a 23-point lead (28-5)!

But in the NBA, big early game deficits don’t guarantee anything, and this is the case once again, Cleveland is finding the resources to come back, especially thanks to Sam Merrill or Keon Ellis coming off the bench.

At halftime, the deficit (64-55) fell below ten and Isaiah Joe’s company (14 points on 4/6 from long range) knew that nothing was done. What’s more, the Cavaliers even managed to pull ahead in the third quarter…

But even the heavily weakened reigning champions will find the means to respond and make a difference late in the match. Isaiah Hartenstein is flawless with his little floaters, while Chet Holmgren torments his opponents on the rebound. James Harden hangs back to try to get a layup, but it’s too short (121-113).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Cason Wallace’s first double-double. By force of opportunity installed as the Thunder’s conductor, the usual sixth man had a great first double-double with 20 points and 10 assists.

– Great start by Thunder. Along with Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace was one of the main reasons for Oklahoma City’s big start, which was 28-5 after seven minutes of play. Of course, the Cavaliers then pulled away, but Isaiah Hartenstein and his team were able to put a lid on it in the end.

– James Harden is no longer undefeated with the Cavaliers. The playmaker won his first five games with Cleveland. However, that did not happen against the current champion, certainly weakened, especially because of his failed start to the match, as well as his team. However, he struggled to carry out the robbery.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.