Thunder Hold Off Cavaliers Despite Late Comeback Push

The Cleveland Cavaliers saw their magnificent seven-game winning streak end Sunday in Oklahoma City, falling 121-113 to the Thunder. A defeat that ends James Harden‘s undefeated start since arriving in Ohio, as the guard had won his first five games in his new colors.

A Catastrophic Start That Dooms Cleveland’s Chances

The game was decided in the opening minutes. The Cavaliers had a nightmarish start, committing 10 turnovers in the first quarter alone and falling behind 28-5 after just seven minutes of play. This offensive meltdown allowed the Thunder to score 17 points off those turnovers, building a 23-point lead that seemed insurmountable.

Coach Kenny Atkinson had deployed an experienced starting five with James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. But the combination of Oklahoma City’s defense and the lack of ball handlers outside of Harden and Mitchell created insurmountable problems. This group was outscored by 14 points in just five minutes of play.

Cleveland showed remarkable character to fight back into the game. Trailing by 15 points at the end of the first quarter, the Cavaliers cut the deficit to nine at halftime (64-55) before even taking their first and only lead of the game in the third quarter.

World class rim protector.

What an insane defensive possession from Chet. pic.twitter.com/Euqi0Nhg5Z

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) February 22, 2026

Thunder’s 3-Point Festival Makes the Difference

Despite missing their two leading scorers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal injury) and Jalen Williams (hamstring), as well as Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso, the Thunder found the necessary resources through exceptional long-range shooting. Oklahoma City finished the game with an impressive 21-of-41 from 3-point range (51.2%), their third-best percentage of the season.

Isaiah Joe led the charge with 22 points including six three-pointers, while Cason Wallace recorded his first career double-double with 20 points and 10 assists. Chet Holmgren completed this collective performance with 17 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.

On Cleveland’s side, Sam Merrill kept his team afloat with an excellent 6-of-10 from 3-point range for 20 total points. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden also scored 20 points each, but couldn’t prevent this first February loss. The Cavaliers converted only 13 of their 39 three-point attempts (33.3%), a 24-point deficit from long range that proved decisive.

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This defeat, though bitter, doesn’t call into question Cleveland’s ambitions, as they remain with a record of 12 wins in 14 games. The Cavaliers will return to their home court Tuesday against the New York Knicks to try to start a new streak.