The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by a franchise-record 15-game winning streak, will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on ESPN. The two teams boast impressive win percentages, with both above .850 heading into the game.
The Cavs have a strong 31-4 record, while Oklahoma City is right behind them at 30-5. This marks the first time these teams have played this late in the season where both are in first place in their respective conferences. The matchup also represents the second season in NBA history with multiple teams starting 30-5 or better.
Both teams have impressive hot streaks, with Oklahoma City on a 15-game winning streak and Cleveland riding a 10-game winning streak with each victory coming by double digits. This is the third time in NBA history that teams will face off while both on double-digit win streaks.
Oklahoma City boasts a league-leading PPG differential of plus-12.1, which would rank as the fourth highest ever in a single season, if that margin holds. Cleveland has an average points differential of plus-11.8 and is just behind Oklahoma City.
The Thunder lead the NBA in defensive efficiency at 102.7, while the Cavaliers are first in offensive efficiency at 121.3. The teams have also excelled in different areas: Oklahoma City tops the league in opposing points per game, field goal percentage, and 3-point field goal percentage, while Cleveland is first in points per game, field goal percentage, and 3-point field goal percentage.
Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played a key role in the Thunder’s defensive dominance, averaging two steals per game and one block per game. Meanwhile, guards Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell lead the Cavaliers’ offense, on pace to attempt 40-plus 3-pointers per game and hit over 40% of those.
With their impressive records, hot streaks, and strong team stats, this matchup is expected to be an exciting clash between two NBA powerhouses.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43327922/oklahoma-city-thunder-cleveland-cavaliers-nba-key-numbers