Cleveland and OKC are the last two undefeated teams in the NBA this season after convincing victories Friday night. Find out what makes them so dominant at the start of the year and if their invincibility streak can last…
While the new NBA season has barely started, two teams already stand out for their invincibility: the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West. Friday evening, these two franchises continued their winning streak with convincing successes, respectively against the Orlando Magic and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Cleveland and OKC rule the roost
At home, the Cavaliers won 120-109 thanks in particular to 25 points de Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell’s 22 units. Orlando, deprived of its new star Paolo Banchero, injured, was able to count on Jalen Suggs and his 28 points, but that was not enough.
At the same time, the Thunder atomized Portland 137-114 in Oklahoma. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the main architect of this success with 30 pointswell supported by rookie Jalen Williams (22 pts). Cleveland and OKC therefore remain the only two teams in the league still undefeated at the start of the season.
Sacramento continues, Atlanta falls
The dynamic is opposite for the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks. The Californians had a third success in a row by winning 123-115 on the Hawks floor, thanks to 31 points from De’Aaron Fox and 27 from Demar DeRozan.
Atlanta, carried by their duo Trae Young (25 pts) – Garrison Mathews (23), was unable to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat after a good start to the season (2 victories). Sacramento confirms its revival after 2 initial setbacks.
A fanfare finish for Minnesota
The match between the Timberwolves and the Nuggets also offered suspense. Trailing by 7 points with less than 3 minutes remaining, the Wolves managed to overthrow Denver on the wire (119-116). In particular, they were able to count on a Rudy Gobert precious on both sides of the field and on the contribution of their young talents.
Trailing 116-109, Minnesota finished on a scathing 10-0 run, initiated by two consecutive three-point baskets from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Anthony Edwards. The latter, on fire, then went for two additional points before Gobert concluded with two free throws.
Money time favored the Wolves who managed to shut down Jokic and his teammates in the final minutes thanks to defense and clutch baskets.
Other results of the night
- Led by an excellent Cam Thomas (32 pts), the Brooklyn Nets won 120-112 against the Bulls.
- Despite the absences of Murray, McCollum, Jones and Murphy, New Orleans defeated Indiana 125-118 thanks to 34 points from Zion Williamson.
- The Lakers were able to count on Anthony Davis (38 pts) and LeBron James (27) to beat the Raptors 131-125.
- With 36 points from Jalen Brunson in just 3 quarters, the Knicks corrected the Pistons 128-98.
