The Cleveland Cavaliers’ struggles are not over.
On Sunday night in Cleveland, the Cavs lost 117-101 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the team’s 10th straight loss. It is also the ninth loss in that 10-game stretch that the Cavs have lost by double digits.
Cleveland actually came out strong against Oklahoma City, with Collin Sexton’s scoring 7 points in the game’s opening minutes and the team leading by as many as 10. The Thunder, though, whittled it down and took a three-point lead into the second quarter. They then took full control by outscoring the Cavs 31-23 in the second quarter. The Cavs never got closer than six points the rest of the way with the Thunder ultimately leading by as many as 20 points.
If there was a positive for Cleveland, it’s that Jarrett Allen put forth another standout performance. Allen finished a perfect 11-11 from the field for 26 points and 17 rebounds. Allen, per ESPN Stats & Info, is one of only three players to score 25-plus and have 15-plus rebounds in game while not missing a shot.
Sexton finished the game with 27 points, but was 1-6 from three. Darius Garland added 21 points and and 8 assists and Isaac Okoro had 12 points via a career-high four made three-pointers. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 31 points.
Perhaps most troubling for the Cavs: the defense again had no success. The Thunder shot 54.4% from the field. 46.4% from three and had six players reach double figures. The 117 points allowed are also the fewest Cleveland has allowed during its losing streak.
Up next: The Cavs are back in action on Tuesday at home against the 13-17 Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.