Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell: ‘These Are The Games We Live For’

January 7, 2025

The Cavaliers are in the midst of a historic streak, having won 10 straight, each by double-digits. They’re off to a franchise-best 31-4 start.

The Thunder are in the midst of a historic streak, having won 15 straight. They’re off to a franchise-best 30-5 start.

The Cavaliers. The Thunder. Wednesday night. ESPN. 7 p.m. EST. Be there.

“It’s going to be the ultimate test for us,” Cavs star guard Donovan Mitchell said. “But these are all about, just, like I said, tests. It’s going to feel like a high-intensity game, it should be a high-intensity game. But, ultimately, it’s just another test.”

Real NBA fans know the names. In Cleveland, it’s Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and a whole lot more. In Oklahoma City, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Cavs-killer Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort and the rising Aaron Wiggins. Oh, and the injured Chet Holmgren has been out for the whole streak.

The first game in NBA history between a team on a 15-game winning streak (@okcthunder) and a team on a 10-game winning streak (@cavs) is set for tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

More numbers to know about the historic matchup of conference leaders ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/OxFZHM491B

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 7, 2025

Mitchell, who has been at the forefront of Cleveland’s offensive surge, knows that while Wednesday’s game holds significance, it’s not the end-all, be-all. The Cavaliers still have plenty of season left, including a rematch with the Thunder scheduled for Thursday, January 16.

“I think there’s a lot we can learn about ourselves throughout these processes that we’re going through,” Mitchell continued. “And tomorrow is another test.”

The Cavaliers’ offense has been nothing short of spectacular. They currently lead the NBA in field goal percentage (50.4%) and three-point shooting (40.4%), while ranking second in points per game (122.5) and third in three-pointers made per game (16.3).

The Thunder lead the NBA in multiple defensive categories, including fewest points allowed per game (103.0), opponent field goal percentage (42.6%), and opponent three-point percentage (32.7%). They also force an impressive 18.8 turnovers per game.

With a defense like that, the Thunder have been able to sustain their dominance and have the highest average margin of victory in the league (+12.1), just ahead of Cleveland, who ranks second (+11.8).

While the Cavaliers have been an offensive juggernaut, the Thunder’s defense has been their anchor. So yeah, it’s the ultimate clash between the NBA’s best offense and its top defense.

“These are the games we live for,” Mitchell said. “We know how tough Oklahoma City is, and we’re ready to see what we’re made of.”