SGA Nets 43 Points to Hand Cavaliers First Home Loss of Season

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-high 43 points and hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 32.6 seconds left in Oklahoma City's 117-112 win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-high 43 points and converted a go-ahead 3-pointer with 32.6 seconds remaining to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 117-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. According to ESPN, the win at Rocket Arena handed Cleveland its first home loss in four games this season. Gilgeous-Alexander finished 14-of-35 from the field and 11-of-12 from the free throw line across 38 minutes of play.

Oklahoma City entered the contest following two consecutive road losses of at least 20 points while missing three starters due to long-term injuries. Ajay Mitchell contributed 20 points for the Thunder, including two free throws with 15.4 seconds left to secure the win, while Isaiah Hartenstein recorded 14 rebounds. The fourth quarter featured eight ties and eight lead changes before Gilgeous-Alexander's final 3-pointer, his fourth of the game.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 17 points and 11 assists, while rookie Meleek Thomas added 17 points in his first career NBA start. Evan Mobley chipped in 16 points for Cleveland, which utilized a 9-of-17 shooting performance from beyond the arc in the third quarter to erase a 59-48 halftime deficit. Despite opening the final period on an 18-9 run, the Cavaliers failed to sustain the lead after Sam Merrill missed a late corner perimeter shot. The two teams are scheduled to complete the back-to-back set on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.