Unsung hero steals Cavs soul without Shai Giljos Alexander, Jalen Williams

ByNBAUSA


OKLAHOMA CITY — No All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williamsthe Oklahoma City Thunder ended the Cleveland Cavs’ seven-game winning streak. The Thunder guards really understood their defensive assignments against All-Star Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and a fully healthy Cavs team. Oklahoma City jumped out to a 28-5 lead in the first quarter, a 23-point deficit that Cleveland erased in the second half.

However, the Thunder’s two-point deficit was short-lived as its suffocating defense continued to get stops, including Isaiah Joe’s career-high five steals and game-high 22 points in Sunday’s 121-113 victory. Joe turned to his own outstanding performance after the Thunder’s win on Sunday.

“At the end of the day, I just stay consistent with my game and let it come to me,” Joe said. “Being down, it just allows for more action. Being able to be more aggressive. Your teammate asks a little bit more from you, and everybody that comes out is kind of answering the call right now. So I think we’re all a little more proud.”

Joe’s 22 points, including six 3-pointers, led seven Thunder players in double figures. Cason Wallace (20 points, 10 assists), who also finished with three steals, Chet Holmgren (17 points, 15 rebounds) who recorded a double-double and Isaiah Hartenstein who added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Isaiah Joe’s defense shines in the Thunder’s win against the Cavs

Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) drives between Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the first half at Pike Center
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

While Isaiah Joe has continued his hot shooting streak, making at least two 3-pointers in 11 of his last ten games, he has also been good at defending the Cavs’ leading tandem of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Against a healthy Cavs team, the Thunder prevailed without All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williamshis top scorer and forward all defensive.

Without Ajayi Mitchell and Alex Caruso, two Thunder guards who each make their presence felt on both ends of the floor, Joe contributions went a long way. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault put Joe’s defense against the Cavs into perspective during his postgame media availability.

“With Harden and Mitchell, they’re big on matchups, and they’re an experienced team that’s well-coached. If you set up a matchup that they like, they’re going to have ways to try to get there,” Daigneault said. “So you just have to be very, very sensible and disciplined in how you do it. I thought his reports tonight – they tried to attack him, they tried to attack anybody to get Dort and Cason off those guys.”

“The coverages were so tight. The shell behind him was really good. He was a part of it, but that’s him. He’s lighter. He’s not the biggest, strongest guy, but he executes at a high level. He’s fearless. He’s physical. And he plays hard. He plays all his minutes hard. So you can take him out in a game like that.”

The Thunder have won four of their last five games without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Mitchell.





2026-02-23 01:47:00

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