The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t need Quebec’s Luguentz Dort to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers and won 112-100 at the Paycom Center on Friday night.
The Montreal native is currently suffering from a right thigh injury. The backcourt of the Thunder was only missing for the second time this season. On December 7, a contusion on his left knee prevented him from playing the game against the Memphis Grizzlies, which they won 123-102.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander provided the offensive in the duel of the day with 35 points, followed by Jalen Williams with 17 points.
Response came from Darius Garland, who stood out with 31 points in the loss. Star Donovan Mitchell was absent with a groin injury.
Used more than ever by head coach Mark Daigneault, Dort also excels in defense in 2022-2023. With an average of 14.1 points per game, the Montrealer also fills the baskets properly. He also grabbed 4.2 rebounds and averaged 1.0 steals.
The Thunder found their way back to victory after losing to the Atlanta Hawks last Wednesday. The Oklahoma team is ranked 11th in the NBA Western Conference.
Mathurin and the Pacers lose
At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers were unable to stop the in-form Giannis Antetokounmpo in a 141-131 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The “Greek Freek” let Bennedict Mathurin and the Pacers bite the dust with 41 points. The Bucks dominated the first half 85-56 and gave the hosts no chance to get back into the game.
In the loss, the Montreal native had 21 points, third most overall on his team behind Myles Turner (24) and Buddy Hield (22).
Depleted by injuries, the Pacers have won just one of their last 10 games.