Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder sweep Cavaliers despite being down three starters
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder sweep Cavaliers despite being down three starters
Justin Martinez, The Oklahoman·The Oklahoman
·
7 min read
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Jared McCainhad missed his last 18 3-point attempts.
Eighteen.
Maybe theOKCguard didn't know that exact number, but he certainly knew it was getting up there. You could tell when he finally ended that drought by splashing a triple early in the fourth quarter of a home game against Cleveland on Wednesday.
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McCain put both hands up in the air in excitement. His teammates on the bench joined in on the celebration as well. All was right again in his world, and the same could be said for theThunder.
The floodgates were finally open for a team that'd been damned by injuries.
OKC earned a 124-116 win over Clevelandat Paycom Center. It's the second straight victory for the Thunder, which is back to playing its usual brand of basketball after experiencing a week unlike any other. One where it lost three starters inChet Holmgren(right knee injury recovery),Jalen Williams(left ankle surgery) andCason Wallace(left shoulder surgery).
OKC (6-2) played like a team that's ready to put all of that in the rearview mirror, as seen by the way it dusted Cleveland from the opening tipoff. It never trailed en route to the impressive victory.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderled the way with 41 points, eight assists and four rebounds in 35 minutes on 11-for-26 shooting from the field (5 for 11 from deep).Ajay Mitchelladded 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes on 9-for-17 shooting from the field (1 for 3 from deep).
"The circumstances aren't going to change in the short term," head coachMark Daigneaultsaid. "I've said this before we won these games. We're not going to look for sympathy. We're not going to make excuses, and we're going to accept the circumstances as they are and try to thrive within them. And that's been something that the team has done over time. ... The guys have done a great job and will continue to need to as we take on more and more challenges here."
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) smiles after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) goes up for a basket beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) grabs a rebound during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) defends during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Former Oklahoma City Thunder player Serge Ibaka watches a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder Drummer performs during a time out against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas (15) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) moves the ball down the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shoes during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Alex Caruso (9) celebrate after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Enaruna (21) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates after scoring a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates with guard Alex Caruso (9) after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams (34) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) look to grab a rebound during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson looks at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots a three point basket over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots from under the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) smiles after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) smiles after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) goes up for a basket beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) grabs a rebound during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) defends during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Former Oklahoma City Thunder player Serge Ibaka watches a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder Drummer performs during a time out against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas (15) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) moves the ball down the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shoes during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Alex Caruso (9) celebrate after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Enaruna (21) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates after scoring a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates with guard Alex Caruso (9) after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams (34) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) look to grab a rebound during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson looks at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots a three point basket over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots from under the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
But with all three guys sidelined, Kenny Hustle had to step up. And even the man known for conditioning felt that fatigue, as he turned toIsaiah Hartensteinin the locker room after the game.
Williams had to take on those same matchups again in Wednesday's rematch. But if you thought the 31-year-old forward would try to conserve some energy early on, you don't know Kenny Hustle.
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On top of playing strong defense, Williams showed some scoring skills of his own. He scored 10 of OKC's first 18 points to help his team claim an early lead.
Williams ended the night with 13 points, four rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes on 5-for-9 shooting from the field (3 for 5 from deep). It's another solid performance for the 31-year-old forward, whose versatility is especially valuable following OKC's recent wave of injuries.
"K-Rich is a hooper," Mitchell said. "He's a competitor on both ends, and he just wants to win. It's great to have him on the team. He's one of our leaders. He's one of the oldest guys on the team. He just goes out there every night, and he's ready to compete. That's what makes him special."
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Alex Caruso returns to rowdy reception
A rumbling could be heard from the Paycom Center crowd as soon as Caruso started walking to the scorers table.
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It was audibly starving to see its beloved, ball-stopping guard back in action. Someone whomissed the last three games due to a sprained right ankle. And when he did check in for the first time with 5:07 left in the first quarter, the cheers were deafening.
Caruso didn't react to the warm reception, but Thunder fans shouldn't take that personally. If anything, that's what makes him so beloved. Caruso was locked in, not in tune with any of the outside noise. Just focused on making some noise of his own, and he did.
Caruso went right back to playing his signature brand of basketball, giving his all-out effort at all times. He recorded seven points, four rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes on 1-for-3 shooting from the field (1 for 2 from deep).
Caruso's return is huge for an OKC team that's missing two key point-of-attack defenders in Jalen Williams and Wallace. He can replicate Williams' ability to defend every position and Wallace's ability to disrupt passing lanes, and he's also capable of knocking down timely 3-pointers.
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Rookies Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz played well with the first unit
After making his first start of the season against Cleveland on Monday,Jaylin Williamswas a late scratch for Wednesday's rematch due to low back spasms.
Aday Maraultimately got the nod as a result, marking his first career start. The 7-foot-3 rookie created an imposing double-big lineup alongside Hartenstein that protected the rim and controlled the glass. And while neither necessarily excels at defending on the perimeter, that wasn't a real issue againstEvan MobleyandJarrett Allen.
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But when Allen missed the second half due to a right knee injury, Cleveland went withMario Hezonjainstead. That surely played a role in head coachMark Daigneault'sdecision to replace Mara with fellow rookieBennett Stirtz, sliding Kenrich Williams to the four, to begin the second half.
Stirtz provided a boost in the floor spacing department. He also gave OKC even more ball handling and playmaking alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell, although he was more of an energy guy defensively than a viable point-of-attack option.
Both rookies presented pros and cons when running with the first unit, but both handled their opportunities well.
Mara finished with nine points, four rebounds and three blocks in 24 minutes on 4-for-6 shooting from the field. Stirtz recorded 16 points, two steals and one assist in 21 minutes on 6-for-9 shooting from the field (4 for 7 from deep).
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"They're getting better with every experience, and that's what the whole 82-game season is about," Gilgeous-Alexander said of OKC's rookies. "No matter what circumstances you're thrown in, the ability to use the circumstance you're in to get better and improve from it is all you can ask for as a competitor. Those guys have had a great mindset and have done so, and they're showing their improvement pretty fast. It's impressive."
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Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
