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NBA history awaits as Thunder and Cavaliers face off in an unprecedented match

Written by Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp is an experienced sports writer covering Soccer, NBA and NHL. He also writes in depth reviews of sports betting sites based on his personal experience.
, | Updated: January 8, 2025
« Miami Heat deepen Golden State Warriors' slump with dominant win
Cleveland ends Oklahoma's 15 »
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dribbles past Donovan Mitchell

    Key Takeaways:

  • Historic Winning Streaks: For the first time ever, a team on a 15-game winning streak (Thunder) faces a team on a 10-game winning streak (Cavs)
  • Record-Breaking Season Starts: Both teams have won at least 30 of their first 35 games, a feat not seen since the 1971-72 NBA season
  • Elite Interconference Clash: This is the first interconference game between teams with win percentages of .850 or higher this late in the season
  • League Leaders: The Cavs are #1 in offensive rating and #2 in net rating, while the Thunder lead the league in defensive and net ratings
  • 70-Win Pace: Both teams are on track for 70+ wins, a benchmark achieved by only a few teams in NBA history

We are about to witness what could be the greatest regular season game in NBA history. When the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers clash later today, it will be a battle between two powerhouse teams rewriting the record books. For the first time ever, a team on a 15-game winning streak faces one on a 10-game streak in the same game. Adding to the stakes, both teams have won at least 30 of their first 35 game — a feat not seen since 1971-72.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, with a 31-4 record, sit atop the Eastern Conference. They boast the league’s best offensive rating, rank second in net rating, and hold a strong defensive presence at seventh overall. Their efficient scoring and recent win over the defending champions Boston Celtics highlight their dominance and make them legitimate title contenders.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, at 30-5, lead the Western Conference and rank first in both defensive rating and net rating. They balance this with the league’s eighth-best offensive rating, demonstrating their ability to dominate on both ends of the court. Like Cleveland, the Thunder also defeated the Celtics, proving their mettle against elite competition.

Both teams are on pace for 70+ wins, a rarity in NBA history. With two days of rest each, they will enter this matchup at full strength, ready for what feels like a playoff-caliber game. The Cavs’ top-ranked offense will test the Thunder’s league-best defense in a clash of strengths, with individual matchups and execution likely to determine the outcome.

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 Author: Paul Kemp

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