When the game hung in the balance, Cleveland’s defense delivered with ⁤razor-sharp precision, making plays that ‌turned momentum and sealed the win. Late in the fourth quarter, key contributions ‍came from the likes of Evan Mobley and‌ Jarrett Allen, whose rim protection forced ⁤Oklahoma City into tough, contested shots. Donovan Mitchell, often praised for his offensive brilliance, ​also stepped up on the other end, intercepting passing lanes and applying relentless perimeter pressure. The Cavs’ defensive unit operated as a cohesive whole, ⁣suffocating OKC’s offensive⁤ rhythm⁢ in the game’s most crucial moments.

  • Key Block: ⁣Mobley swatted away an inside ⁣attempt from Josh ⁢Giddey with under ‌two minutes left.
  • Steals Count: ‌ Mitchell ⁤snagged two clutch steals in the closing stretch.
  • Fourth-Quarter Opponent⁢ FG%: Held OKC to just 35% shooting in the final period.
Player Blocks Steals Defensive ⁢Rebounds
Evan Mobley 3 1 10
Jarrett​ Allen 2 8
Donovan Mitchell 3 5

It wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was a ‍collective effort built upon trust and instinct. The interaction on switches ‍and ​the fight through screens showcased Cleveland’s growth on this end of the floor. These pivotal stops, paired with poise in transitions, allowed them to grind out what their coach described ⁤as a statement⁢ victory—the type of game that eluded them‍ just a year​ ago.