Thunder Edge Cavaliers 117-112 Behind Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's season-high 43 points carried Oklahoma City past Cleveland in the first of a two-game set.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-112 on Monday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-high 43 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 32.6 seconds remaining.
Why it matters
The win came while Oklahoma City is missing three starters to long-term injuries, placing heavier scoring and minutes loads on its remaining rotation. Cleveland's loss keeps the two-game set in progress with the Cavaliers still needing a response.
Gilgeous-Alexander's 35 shot attempts and 14 made field goals produced 43 points, with 11 of 12 free throws made in 38 minutes. Ajay Mitchell added 20 points, Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed 14 rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell recorded 17 points and 11 assists for Cleveland.
The players
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City-based NBA franchise that won the game behind a season-high performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland-based NBA franchise that lost the game despite strong production from Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder guard who scored 43 points in the win and has been a leading scorer for Oklahoma City.
The details
Oklahoma City built a 59-48 halftime lead after a 16-6 run over the final five minutes of the second quarter. Ajay Mitchell sank two free throws with 15.4 seconds left to make it a two-possession game before Gilgeous-Alexander's late 3-pointer sealed the result. Meleek Thomas made his first NBA start and scored 17 points for Oklahoma City.
Timeline
Monday night: Thunder defeat Cavaliers 117-112 in the first game of a two-game set.
Season Trajectory
Gilgeous-Alexander's 43-point night marks a new season high for the Thunder guard as Oklahoma City works through a stretch without three starters. The win gives the Thunder a foothold in the two-game set against Cleveland while their depth players are being tested.
Fantasy managers tracking Gilgeous-Alexander now have a 43-point game to weigh against his recent output. Oklahoma City's depth players Ajay Mitchell and Meleek Thomas gained meaningful minutes and production that may shape rotation decisions.
The takeaway
The result shows the Thunder can win a high-scoring game while missing key starters, relying on a star-level performance and contributions from players stepping into larger roles. Readers following the series should watch how Oklahoma City's rotation holds up in the second game.
What happens next
The Thunder and Cavaliers complete their two-game set, with the second game scheduled after this result.
Further reading
For more on the Thunder's season, see the Basketball section.
