Thunder vs Cavaliers Results: Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace Lead Short Handed Oklahoma City Past Cleveland 121-113

OKLAHOMA CITY — Isaiah Joe scored 22 points and Cason Wallace recorded 20 points and 10 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame major injuries to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-113 on Sunday, delivering a statement win despite missing multiple starters.

The breaking update underscores Oklahoma City’s depth and resilience as the Western Conference contender improved to 44-14 while Cleveland saw its eight game winning streak come to an end.

Playing without Shai Gilgeous Alexander due to an abdominal strain and Jalen Williams because of a right hamstring strain, the Thunder leaned heavily on perimeter shooting and ball movement. Key contributors Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso were also sidelined, forcing expanded roles across the rotation.

Joe set the tone early, hitting six three pointers and helping Oklahoma City shoot 21 of 41 from beyond the arc, a 51.2 percent clip. The Thunder built a 28-5 lead fueled by five early three pointers, including three from Joe. By halftime, Oklahoma City had connected on 14 of 22 attempts from deep and carried a 64-55 advantage.

Chet Holmgren added 17 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks, anchoring the interior while stretching Cleveland’s defense. Wallace controlled tempo throughout, finishing with a double double and limiting live ball turnovers. Oklahoma City converted 17 Cleveland turnovers into 31 points, a critical impact stat in the outcome.

Cleveland, now 36-22, received 20 points each from Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Sam Merrill. The Cavaliers shot 13 of 39 from three point range and struggled to match Oklahoma City’s efficiency from distance. After trailing by 23 in the first half, Cleveland mounted a third quarter push. Merrill scored eight quick points, and Jared Allen’s short jumper gave the Cavaliers their first lead at 69-68.

The latest momentum shift came when Oklahoma City answered with back to back three pointers from Jared McCain and Joe to regain control. Cleveland briefly tied the game at 86 before Lu Dort, Kenrich Williams and Wallace hit consecutive three pointers in the fourth quarter to extend the lead. Isaiah Hartenstein added 10 fourth quarter points, sealing the victory.

From a standings perspective, the win reinforces Oklahoma City’s championship outlook even amid injury concerns. The ability to generate elite spacing and capitalize on turnovers reflects a system built on pace and versatility under head coach Mark Daigneault. If Gilgeous Alexander and Williams return on schedule, the Thunder remain positioned among the league’s most complete teams.

For Cleveland, the loss highlights the challenge of closing out high volume shooting teams. Defensive rotations and perimeter containment will be central next steps as the Cavaliers continue their Eastern Conference playoff push under coach J B Bickerstaff.

The timeline for Oklahoma City’s injured starters remains day to day, and further medical updates are expected before Tuesday’s road game in Toronto. Cleveland returns home to host New York.

What this means moving forward is clear. Oklahoma City’s depth has become a defining strength, while Cleveland’s outlook depends on tightening defensive execution against elite offenses as the postseason approaches.