Danny Cunningham here, the host of the daily Locked On Cavs podcast, with your daily Locked On Cavs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Cavs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Cavs Make a Statement: Dominating Thunder Without Mitchell’s Heroics
The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially arrived. In a thrilling 129-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Cavs proved they’re more than just the Donovan Mitchell show. This win, arguably their biggest of the season, showcased the depth and versatility of the team.
What made this victory particularly impressive was that it came without a standout performance from Mitchell. The All-Star guard struggled, shooting just 3-of-16 from the field. But where Mitchell faltered, the rest of the team stepped up in a big way.
Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley were the stars of the night, combining for an impressive 46 points. Allen dominated with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Mobley contributed 21 points and showcased his improved playmaking with seven assists. Their performance was a testament to the Cavs’ ability to win through their frontcourt dominance.
The Thunder’s defensive strategy of double-teaming Mitchell backfired spectacularly. It opened up opportunities for Allen and Mobley, who consistently made the right plays when given the chance. Their big-to-big passing was particularly effective, repeatedly catching OKC off guard.
This game wasn’t just a regular-season win; it felt like a playoff atmosphere. The intensity, execution, and crowd energy were reminiscent of late May or early June basketball. It was a statement game that proved the Cavs can compete at the highest level, even when their superstar has an off night.
Darius Garland’s performance shouldn’t be overlooked either. His clutch plays down the stretch, including a crucial floater in the final minute, sealed the deal for Cleveland. This game made a strong case for Garland’s All-Star candidacy, showcasing his ability to step up when it matters most.
The victory puts the Cavs firmly in the conversation as one of the NBA’s elite teams. At 32-4, they’ve proven they can hang with – and beat – the best in the league. This win over OKC, currently the second-best team in the NBA, solidifies Cleveland’s status as a true championship contender.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cavs’ statement win over the Thunder, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• The case for four Cavs All-Stars
• Evan Mobley’s growth and crucial late-game bucket
• The playoff-like atmosphere at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have shown significant growth as playmakers for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their enhanced abilities are contributing to the team’s offensive strategies. (Fear The Sword)
Analysis Evan Mobley and Darius Garland have demonstrated their clutch performance capabilities, proving critical in high-pressure moments for the Cavaliers. (Fear The Sword)
Rumor Donovan Mitchell made a bold claim about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ ability to win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting the team’s confidence. Mitchell’s assertion reflects high expectations. (Sports Illustrated)
Milestone The 2025 NBA MVP leaderboard features new entrants like Victor Wembanyama, surpassing players such as Curry. This highlights the competitive nature of the season. Wembanyama’s breakthrough is noteworthy. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis The Cavaliers dominated the Thunder by exploiting OKC’s defensive weaknesses, leading to their biggest win of the season. Key adjustments on offense led to a decisive victory. (CBS Sports)
Preview The Raptors will battle the Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Cavs podcasts.
Another Cavalanche! The Cavs pushed their winning streak to 10 games on Sunday night with a win over the Charlotte Hornets. How long can the winning streak go?
West Coast Dominance Cleveland went out west and swept through the Nuggets, Warriors, Lakers and Mavericks, beating them all by 10 or more points. What was so impressive about that road trip?
Don’t Go Chasing Records Now The Cavs are currently on pace to win 73 games. Should that be the goal for the season?
