The Oklahoma City Thunder continues to make its mark at the top of the NBA. The defending champion, who will have to do without the injured German basketball professional Isaiah Hartenstein in the new year, won comfortably with 136:104 at the Cleveland Cavaliers and thus achieved his 36th win in the 44th game.
Franchise star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was once again Oklahoma’s best shooter with 30 points, while Chet Holmgren also had 28 points. OKC inflicted the Cavaliers’ worst loss since March 2024. The champions continue to lead the Western Conference. Pursuers San Antonio Spurs are behind with a record of 30:13 wins.
The Spurs were carried by Frenchman Victor Wembanyama in the 123:110 win against Utah Jazz. The 22-year-old, who had been named to the starting lineup at the All-Star Game a few hours earlier, scored 33 points and ten rebounds. In total, “Wemby” hit seven three-pointers, more than ever this season.
In the East, the Detroit Pistons remain on course. The leaders narrowly won the top game against their pursuers Boston Celtics 104:103, with Tobias Harris scoring 25 points and Cade Cunningham contributing 14 assists to the success. The Pistons (31:10 wins) extended their lead over Boston (26:16).
Behind Detroit and Boston, the New York Knicks suffered their fourth defeat in a row – and loud boos. The team led by German Ariel Hukporti, who only played for three minutes, lost to the Dallas Mavericks 97:114. Shortly before halftime, the Knicks were already 30 points behind and the fans reacted angrily.
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