The Cleveland Cavaliers (40-14) defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder (40-16) 115-92, on Sunday at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
This game started off tight, with the Thunder leading by one after the first quarter, however the Cavs blew the game wide open as they outscored the Thunder 68-45 in the second and third quarters. Cleveland cruised to victory after entering the final quarter already up by 22. This was an impressive victory for the Cavs as they were against Oklahoma City's strong home record, which is now 25-7. This loss also marks the first back-to-back losses for the Thunder since early December. The Cavs win streak is now at four games, as they are the first team in the East to earn 40 wins.
Kyrie Irving left the game mid-way through the second quarter with "flu-like symptoms" and did not return. Irving missed the first meeting between these teams, which the Cavs also won. The season series is now 2-0 for Cleveland, despite being without Irving both times. Of those players active for Cleveland, six scored in double digits and three logged double-doubles. LeBron James finished the game with 25 points (11-22 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 11 assists, seven rebounds and three steals, in 37 minutes. Meanwhile, Kevin Love tallied a game-high 29 points (9-18 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 11-12 FT), along with 11 rebounds, and four assists, in 37 minutes. Tristan Thompson contributed a solid 14 points and 14 rebounds, in 35 minutes at the starting center position. The Cavs shot over 50 percent from the field and hit 23-of-27 free throws as they cruised past the Thunder.
OKC struggled getting shots to fall, as only 41 percent of their attempts were successful, including only 5-of-22 from deep. Kevin Duran led the Thunder in scoring with 26 points (10-21 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 2-3 FT), along with five rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots, in 33 minutes. Russell Westbrook was one rebound away from a triple-double as he finished with 20 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, in 33 minutes. The only other player to score in double digits for the Thunder was Serge Ibaka, with 12 points. Ibaka also tallied three rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 30 minutes.
The Thunder will move on to Dallas where they will take on the Mavericks, on Wednesday. The Thunder will be looking to avoid a third straight loss.
The Cavaliers next game will be on Monday when they host the Detroit Pistons.
