Injuries plague OKC as Harden's Cavs surge. Can Dort's defense and a hot-shooting Thunder squad overcome Cleveland's revitalized offense?
Oklahoma City hosts James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers at noon Central on ABC. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso are out for the Thunder. Here are three key matchups that will largely decide the outcome of this contest.
Jarrett Allen’s Scoring
Cleveland swung for the fences by swapping Darius Garland for Harden at the trade deadline. Harden is 10 years older and likely a few seasons away from retirement, but he’s currently the better player. The Cavaliers wanted to maximize its immediate championship equity with Donavan Mitchell eligible for an extension this offseason and able to become a free agent in the 2027 offseason.
Since Harden’s arrival, Cleveland has won five straight games and scored 125.1 points per 100 possessions. It’s looking like a home run at this point, although his production in the playoffs will ultimately be how the trade is eventually judged.
Harden’s chemistry with Jarrett Allen is already superb. They have played 93 minutes together so far, and Allen has scored 27.3 points per 75 possessions on 82% true shooting during these minutes. That’s an absurd blend of volume and efficiency.
It will be tough sledding for Allen in this matchup, though. Opponents are converting a mere 51.1% of their shots inside the paint against the Thunder, which is the lowest percentage in the league according to NBA.com. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein must hold down the paint and prevent Allen from feasting via pick and rolls.
Luguentz Dort’s Defense
Donovan Mitchell has averaged 14.5 points per game on 26.4% shooting from the field across his past four matchups against the Thunder. Yikes!
Luguentz Dort’s stellar defense is the main reason behind Mitchell’s struggles, and Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson agrees. Following the Thunder’s 32-point victory over Cleveland last month, Atkinson said in his post-game interview that “Lu Dort is one of the best defenders in the league and proved it again tonight.”
Dort will need to put on another defensive masterclass because Oklahoma City’s offense likely struggles again given its injuries and Cleveland’s quality defense.
Thunder’s 3-Point Shooting
Scoring around the basket will be difficult against Allen and Evan Mobley, especially since Oklahoma City lacks its main ball handlers and drivers.
Therefore, it would be a boon if players like Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain and Aaron Wiggins rain down triples. They have combined to shoot 49-of-107 (45.7%) from beyond the arc this month, so they bring plenty of momentum into this matchup.