NBA roundup: Thunder clobber Cavs in battle of NBA’s best

Field Level Media|published: Fri 17th January, 24:22 2025

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder

Jan 16, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives down the court as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) defends during the fourth quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-114 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in a matchup between the two teams with the NBA's best records.

The Cavs came in as the No. 1 offensive team in the league, while Oklahoma City ranked atop the NBA in defensive rating. The Thunder dominated, reeling off a 22-2 run over the final six minutes of the first quarter, then extending the run to 30-2 in the second quarter.

Luguentz Dort scored a season-high 22 points for the Thunder, going 6 of 9 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Dort also helped lock down Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, helping the Thunder hold Mitchell to just eight points on 3-of-15 shooting. Darius Garland led the Cavs with 20 points while Jarrett Allen scored 13 on 6-of-6 shooting.

Suns 130, Wizards 123

Devin Booker scored 37 points and Washington, D.C., native Kevin Durant added 23, fueling visiting Phoenix in a wire-to-wire victory over Washington.

Booker scored at least 30 points for the fourth straight game after sinking four 3-pointers and 13 of 15 free throws. Grayson Allen scored 21 points off the bench and rookie Ryan Dunn collected career highs in points (18) and rebounds (11) for the Suns, who posted their fourth win in five games.

Washington rookie Kyshawn George sank six 3-pointers to highlight his season-high 24-point performance. Jordan Poole scored 18 points and rookie Alexandre Sarr added 16 for the Wizards, who erupted for 40 points in the fourth quarter before losing their eighth straight game.

Pacers 111, Pistons 100

Myles Turner poured in 28 points and Indiana won in Detroit, the Pacers' seventh victory in eight games.

Pascal Siakam contributed 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals for Indiana. Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and eight assists, and Andrew Nembhard added 12 points and six assists.

Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Pistons with 25 points. Cade Cunningham had 20 points and nine assists, and Jalen Duren racked up 17 points, 17 rebounds and two blocked shots.

--Field Level Media