OKLAHOMA CITY — The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder snapped the Cleveland Cavs’ seven-game win streak in a 121-113 loss on Sunday. Since the Los Angeles Clippers traded James Harden, the Cavs hadn’t lost until facing a Thunder team without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams at the Paycom Center.

The Thunder defeated the Cavs without three of their top scorers, including Ajay Mitchell. The defending champions leaned on their gritty defense on one end of the floor, while connecting on 21 threes on the other, as Locked on Cavs’ Danny Cunningham noted.

“Cavs fall to the Thunder here in OKC. They had their worst start to a game in nearly a full calendar year and couldn’t complete the comeback. Thunder forced 17 Cleveland turnovers and hit 21 3-pointers. Tough to overcome that. Cleveland’s winning streak ends at 7 games.”

While the Cavs did manage to erase a 23-point deficit in the second half, the Thunder reverted to collecting defensive stops and converting timely buckets that kept them ahead by two possessions in the final minute. The Cavs’ top three scorers — All-Star Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Sam Merrill — all finished with 20 points each.

Mitchell added seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Merrill’s six threes led the Cavs’ bench scoring, and Harden added nine assists and five rebounds.

James Harden gives Cavs title contender label

Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) gestures to his team during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center

Despite missing a golden opportunity to send a message to the defending champion Thunder in Sunday’s matinee, James Harden considers the Cavs as title contenders, which most likely doesn’t change after losing for the first time sinceh is trade. Harden believes his arrival turns the Cavs into a championship contender.

You may also likeArticle continues below
Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson drops ‘most unique’ take on Keon Ellis
Darius Garland has ‘no hard feelings’ to Cavs after Clippers trade
Victor Oladipo joins Cavs’ G League team after trade
Cavs rumors: LeBron James return is ‘99%’ if he accepts 1 thing, per Brian Windhorst

“Yes… I don’t know how many times I’ve said that throughout the course of my career. Given the depth, shooting, athleticism, & versatility we have, yes,” Harden said.

The Cavs will host the Knicks on Tuesday.