With the game tied at 78, the lineup of Josh Giddey, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, Darius Bazley and Mike Muscala outscored the Cavaliers 16-8 in the opening six minutes.
By the time Shai Gilgeous-Alexander checked in, he had an eight-point lead to play with. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points and eight assists.
Without Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland had 31 points and 13 assists while Evan Mobley had 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Here are some of the best photos from the Thunder’s 12-point win over the Cavaliers.
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks up a the scoreboard during the fourth quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) on a drive during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) celebrates after a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault watches his team play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault talks to forward Jalen Williams (8) between plays against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team on a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) dribbles the ball down the court against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault watches his team play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) goes up for a basket as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team on a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) shoots agaisnt the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) celebrates after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) looks on during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) fight for a loose ball during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J. B. Bickerstaff gestures to his team during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder mascot waves to fans during a time out against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) passes the ball between Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs autographs for fans after warming up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs autographs for fans after warming up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs autographs for fans after warming up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs autographs for fans after warming up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
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