Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-high 43 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 33 seconds remaining, as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the host Cleveland Cavaliers 117-112 on Monday night.
The fourth quarter saw eight ties and eight lead changes, the last on Gilgeous-Alexander’s 24-footer over Sam Merrill that put the Thunder up 115-112. The basket came on his 35th field-goal attempt, matching his career high and the NBA’s season high.
Donovan Mitchell missed a 3-pointer on the next possession, forcing the Cavaliers to foul Ajay Mitchell, who made two free throws with 16 seconds remaining. Oklahoma City’s Mitchell finished with 20 points.
Rookie Meleek Thomas scored a season-high 17 points in his first start for Cleveland, but missed a potential go-ahead layup in the final 90 seconds. Donovan Mitchell had 17 points and 11 assists and Evan Mobley scored 16 points.
The Thunder won for the first time in three games — all on the road — since center Chet Holmgren (right patellar tendon tear), forward Jalen Williams (fractured left fibula, dislocated ankle) and guard Cason Wallace (torn left labrum) suffered major injuries.
There were 23 total lead changes and 10 ties.
Gilgeous-Alexander had 13 points and made 6-of-6 free-throw attempts in the third, which ended with the Thunder up 90-84. Cleveland had pulled within 79-78 on a Mario Hezonja hoop, but got no closer in the quarter.
Oklahoma City outscored the Cavaliers 33-18 in the second with Ajay Mitchell contributing 12 points and Gilgeous-Alexander eight, taking an 11-point lead into the break. Hartenstein gobbled up 11 rebounds in 14 minutes.
Donovan Mitchell posted eight points and three assists in the first, helping Cleveland build a 30-26 advantage. Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine points and Kenrich Williams had eight. There were 10 lead changes in the opening quarter.
The Cavaliers were without starting small forward Peyton Watson (right hamstring tightness) and top frontcourt sub Jaylon Tyson (right ankle sprain).
Oklahoma City will host Cleveland on Wednesday, completing the home-and-home set between teams that reached their respective conference finals.
