The stage is set for Wednesday night’s matchup of the best NBA records between head coach Kenny Atkinson’s Cleveland Cavs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder’s 15-game winning streak versus the Cavs’ 10-game winning streak adds excitement, given that one will end at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. However, Atkinson says Donovan Mitchell and his teammates are excited to take on the challenge.
The Thunder haven’t lost a game since December 1. Still, the Cavs are as focused as they’ve been all season, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
“The players are on high alert and ready to go. It’s more about keeping an even keel, the way we have been all year.”
The Cavs are 18-1 at home and have won 14 of their last 15 games, including their 10-game winning streak. On Wednesday night, the two hottest teams in the NBA should make for a compelling Cavs versus Thunder matchup. Both teams are two of the best in NBA history season-to-date, combining for a .871 winning percentage through 35 regular-season games.
Donovan Mitchell drops truth bomb on Cavs’ Thunder showdown
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Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson and All-Star Donovan Mitchell are looking forward to taking on the Thunder (30-5), the No. 1 team in the Western Conference and a top-ranked defense. The 31-4 Cavs have held the NBA’s best record all season. Still, Mitchell knows it’s a great challenge for him and his team.
Mitchell discussed the significance of facing the Thuder during practice, per Cavs’ sideline reporter Serena Winters.
“It’s going to be the ultimate test for us… Championships aren’t won today, but I think there’s a lot we can learn about ourselves.”
Mitchell scored 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including 3-for-7 from deep in the Cavs’ 115-105 win against the Hornets. He also finished with four assists and three rebounds. The Cavs and Thunder, entering their first of four games on the road, haven’t played since Sunday.
