How OKC decided who will guard Donovan Mitchell, James Harden in thrilling win against Cavs

OKLAHOMA CITY — Without three of its top four scorers, Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Donovan Mitchell, James Hardenand the Cleveland Cavs — 121-113 — at the Pike Center on Sunday. The defending champions took a 28-5 lead in the first frame. Without the Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williamsstarters took advantage of defensive breakdowns and elite shooting as Oklahoma City drained eight of 21 3-pointers in the first quarter.

As for who will defend Mitchell and Harden, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault revealed that Lou Dort’s defensive assignment on Mitchell received a 6-5 vote among his coaching staff. Cason Wallace spent most of the game in front of Harden. Mitchell scored 20 points, but it took him nearly 20 attempts (9-for-19) to get there, as he was 0-for-6 from deep.

Harden scored 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, nine assists and five rebounds. Wallace finished with 20 points to go along with a career-high 10 assists as he recorded his first double-double and three steals. Isaiah Joe led seven Thunder players in double figures with 22 points, including Dort (12 points, two steals) and the entire Oklahoma City starting lineup.

The defending champions’ stifling defense forced 17 turnovers from the Cavs, which the Thunder turned into 31 points en route to an eight-point victory.

Cason Wallace reflects on his elite performance in the Thunder’s win

Thunder guard Cason Wallace understood the task ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Cavs. Before they face one of the best backcourts in the league with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. And while it is The Thunder’s newest guards in Jared McCain and Nikola Topic to acclimate to their new environment, Wallace helped fill the void left by the loss of All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell and Alec Caruso.

After the game, Wallace spoke to the media about his approach ahead of the matinee match between the Thunder and the Cavs.

“I go into the game knowing that I have a high-level opponent that I have to guard, you know, in the minutes of the matchup with him,” Wallace said. “I have to slow him down first. Then, on offense, we have so many guys that are good at making plays. So I can make some plays myself on offense, but those guys help me a lot on that end.”

Cason Wallace on Thunder’s offense and OKC’s defense against Cavs’ Mitchell & Harden: “I felt like we came out like we had a little bit of momentum early in the game … I’ve got to slow it down first.

Then, offensively, we have so many guys that are good in the game” pic.twitter.com/U65bg0k2bR

— Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) February 22, 2026

The Thunder will face the Raptors on Tuesday.