Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 43 as short-handed Thunder beat Cavaliers 117-112 in Cleveland

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 43 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder won 117-112 at the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. His step-back three-pointer with 32 seconds left broke a 112-112 tie. The win ended the Thunder's two-game losing streak, and they are now 5-2 despite a long list of injuries.

The winning shot

Cleveland trailed by 11 at half-time and came back in the third quarter. They briefly went ahead in the fourth quarter. Sam Merrill tied the game at 112 with a corner three with 91 seconds left.

Oklahoma City then cleared space for Gilgeous-Alexander against Merrill on the left wing, and he made a step-back three to put the Thunder 115-112 ahead. Merrill missed a three-pointer at the other end, and Cleveland did not score again.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 14 of 35 shots, 4 of 8 three-pointers, and had eight assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block in 38 minutes. His 35 shot attempts equalled his career high.

Help from the bench

Ajay Mitchell added 20 points and made all six of his free throws. Isaiah Hartenstein scored only five points but had 14 rebounds and four assists. Aday Mara had 10 points and nine rebounds in 19 minutes, and Bennett Stirtz scored nine points, making 3 of 4 three-pointers.

Hartenstein said the team was getting used to the situation: "I think we're at a point where stuff has all kind of sunk in now."

For Cleveland, Yahoo Sports reported that seven players scored in double figures, including all five starters. Donovan Mitchell and a rookie starter were among them, and Mario Hezonja (12) and Tyrese Proctor (10) scored in double figures off the bench. The Cavaliers fell to 4-3. They had won all three of their home games before Monday.

Thunder playing without key players

The Thunder were missing several regulars. Jalen Williams is out for the season after ankle surgery. Chet Holmgren is recovering from a knee injury, and Cason Wallace has had shoulder surgery. Alex Caruso missed the game with a sprained ankle, and Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topic are also injured.

Yahoo Sports also noted that the Thunder traded Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe in the off-season, which left them with less depth. That has made Oklahoma City even more reliant on Gilgeous-Alexander.

Rematch on Thursday morning in Malaysia

The teams meet again straight away, this time in Oklahoma City on Wednesday at 7pm Central time. That is 9am on Thursday 5 November in Malaysia.

Key takeaways

• Thunder 117, Cavaliers 112 in Cleveland on Monday 2 November (US time).
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 43 points, including the go-ahead step-back three with 32 seconds left.
• Ajay Mitchell scored 20 and Isaiah Hartenstein had 14 rebounds.
• Oklahoma City are 5-2 without Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso. Cleveland are 4-3.
• The rematch is in Oklahoma City at 9am Thursday, Malaysia time.

FAQ

How many points did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander score against the Cavaliers? He scored 43 points on 14-of-35 shooting, with eight assists, as Oklahoma City won 117-112.

Why are the Thunder short of players? Jalen Williams is out for the season after ankle surgery. Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace are also out long-term, and Alex Caruso missed this game with a sprained ankle.

When do the Thunder and Cavaliers play again? On Wednesday night in Oklahoma City (7pm Central time), which is 9am on Thursday 5 November in Malaysia.

Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN, VAVEL