Dennis Schroder scored 22 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 20 and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-106 for their fifth straight victory
CLEVELAND —
Dennis Schroder scored 22 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 20 and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-106 on Saturday night for their fifth straight victory.
Danilo Gallinari added 19 points, hitting five 3-pointers, and Steven Adams grabbed 16 rebounds for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City went ahead late in the first quarter and steadily built the lead. The Thunder led 91-74 before Cleveland got within nine early in the fourth, but Oklahoma City pulled away.
Collin Sexton scored 30 points and Kevin Love had 12 for the Cavaliers, who have lost three straight.
Love, who has been the subject of trade speculation, yelled at Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman earlier in the day over a recent fine, according to a report by The Athletic.
Citing anonymous sources, The Athletic said the incident took place following the team’s shootaround and Love was screaming in front of teammates, coaches and front office staff.
The report said Love was fined for $1,000 for his outburst on the bench during Tuesday’s game in Toronto, where he pounded a chair in frustration as he came off the court during a timeout.
Love’s name has come up in trade talks as the rebuilding Cavaliers are looking to the future. He’s in the second season of a four-year, $120 million contract extension.
Chris Paul had 10 assists and Adams scored 10 points for the Thunder.
Darius Garland had 20 points for Cleveland, which has lost the first two games of a four-game homestand.
TIP-INS
Thunder: Oklahoma City lost its first six road games, but is 8-3 away from home since. … C Nerlens Noel limped to the locker room after stepping on the foot of a Cavaliers player in the third quarter. He was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle and didn’t return.
Cavaliers: Cleveland played without top bench players Larry Nance Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. Nance could be out for two weeks because of a sore left knee, while Porter missed the game for personal reasons. The team expects Porter to return Sunday against Minnesota. … Rookie guard Dylan Windler, who hasn’t played this season because of a stress reaction in his left leg, is participating in 3-on-3 drills.
UP NEXT
Thunder: At the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
Cavaliers: Host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
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