Just five games around the Association on Friday, but one was a big rematch between the beast in the East and the best in the West. We recap that game and two others here:
Thunder Get Back at Cavs with Blowout
Shai Gigeous-Alexander fired a game-high 40 points on top of 8 dimes to power the Oklahoma City Thunder (34-6) to a 134-114 dismantling of the Cleveland Cavaliers (34-6) at Paycom Center.
Lu Dort and Jalen Williams added 22 and 19, respectively, for the Thunder, who jumped all over the Cavs right from the get-to. They went to halftime with a 65-39 lead and never looked back, building an even bigger lead with a 44-32 third quarter.
Darius Garland led Cleveland with 20 points and 9 dimes. The Cavs have now lost twice in their last four games after losing just four times in their first 37.
Up next:
Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks on January 18
Cavs vs. Timberwolves on January 19
Clippers Dominate Blazers for Second Straight Blowout
A day after smothering the Brooklyn Nets, the Lost Angeles Clippers (23-17) again flashed their fearsome form, this time with a 118-89 dismantling of the Portland Trail Blazers (13-27) at Moda Center.
Norm Powell’s 23 points paced six Clippers in double-figures, including James Harden (19) and Derrick Jones Jr. (13). The Clips shot a blistering 56% from the field and won every quarter in their latest complete effort.
Dalano Banton had 23 points off the bench for the Blazers, who shot a putrid 34-for-91 overall.
Up next:
Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers on January 20
Blazers vs. Houston Rockets on January 19
Kings Upend Rockets to Continue Superb Stretch
The Sacramento Kings got big games from their stars as they outlasted the Houston Rockets, 132-127, at Golden 1 Center.
DeMar DeRozan led the way with 33 markers but got plenty of help all around. Malik Monk chipped in 26 points and 9 dimes, while Domantas Sabonis had 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists. De’Aaron Fox chipped in 19 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals as the Kings (21-20) won for the eighth time in nine games.
Jalen Green, who dropped 26 points and 5 rebounds, led three Rockets who scored at least 20. Alperen Sengun fired 21 points and hauled down 10 rebounds, while Amen Thompson added 20 points, 10 boards, 5 dimes, and 2 steals.
Up next:
Kings vs. Washington Wizards on January 20
Rockets vs. Trail Blazers on January 19
