If anyone still doubts whether the Cleveland Cavaliers are legitimate championship contenders, the Cavs can make another statement that they are indeed legitimate contenders by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road on Thursday.
They have the NBA’s best record at 34-5, while the Thunder are right behind them at 33-6.
The two teams met just last week, and in a very competitive contest, the Cavs prevailed by a final score of 129-122.
Both head coaches — Kenny Atkinson of the Cavs and Mark Daigneault of Oklahoma City — said that last week’s matchup had a great atmosphere, and there is no doubt that Thursday’s rematch will be the same way.
"Playoff atmosphere."
"Great test for both teams."
Kenny Atkinson & Mark Daigneault on tonight's No. 1 vs. No. 1 rematch! pic.twitter.com/mLcmCBE069
— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2025
For Cleveland, last Thursday’s victory over the Thunder was part of a 12-game winning streak that was snapped on Sunday when they fell 108-93 to the Indiana Pacers.
They returned to their winning ways on Tuesday by downing the Pacers, 127-117, setting up Thursday’s marquee matchup.
This has been a dream season for them, and they have improved big-time on offense thanks to Atkinson, who is in his first season as their head coach and has gotten them to rank second in points per game and first in offensive rating, field-goal percentage and 3-point accuracy.
Meanwhile, the Thunder are first in defensive rating, which makes this an excellent tug-of-war between two teams that could very well meet in the NBA Finals this summer.
After this game, Cleveland will head north to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday evening in a game that will mark the exact midway point of the regular season for them.
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