The paradox of irresistible power asks the query: “What occurs when an unstoppable power meets an immovable object?” »

Though a paradox I’ll not at all times have a solutionNBA followers will see the aforementioned query come to life on Wednesday January 8 when the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.

By means of their first 35 video games of the season, the Cavaliers have gone an NBA-best 31-4 and are at present on a 10-game profitable streak. The Thunder have the very best report within the Western Convention at 30-5 and are at present on a 15-game profitable streak.

The subsequent recreation between these two groups would be the first recreation in NBA historical past between a crew on a 10-game profitable streak and one other on a 15-game profitable streak.

Throughout his press briefing on Tuesday, the Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell mentioned the magnitude of the primary recreation between the Cavaliers and Thunder this season.

“This would be the final check for us,” Mitchell mentioned. “But it surely’s simply, like I mentioned, testing. It should seem like a high-intensity match, it must be a high-intensity match. However, on the finish of the day, it is simply ‘one other check.’

A basketball player wearing a wine and gold uniform shoots a basketball at another player wearing a blue uniform.

January 3, 2025; Dallas, Texas, United States; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots over Dallas Mavericks ahead Maxi Kleber (42) in the course of the first half at American Airways Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Pictures / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Pictures

On Wednesday night time, the NBA’s finest offense in Cleveland will face arguably the league’s finest protection in Oklahoma Metropolis.

The Cavaliers at present lead the league in discipline objective proportion (50.4%) and three-point proportion (40.4%), whereas rating second in factors per recreation (122.5) and third in three factors per recreation (16.3). However, the Thunder at present lead the league in fewest factors allowed per recreation (103.0), opponent’s discipline objective proportion (42.6%), discipline objective proportion (42.6%), opponent’s three-pointers (32.7%) and opponent’s turnovers per recreation (18.8).

Moreover, Oklahoma Metropolis at present leads the NBA in common margin of victory (+12.1), whereas Wine and Gold ranks second (+11.8).

Though Mitchell defined there may be nonetheless loads of season forward, together with one other matchup towards the Thunder on Thursday, Jan. 16, he is aware of the Cavaliers can take quite a bit away from Wednesday night time’s recreation.

“No championships are received at the moment, however I feel we are able to be taught quite a bit about ourselves all through these processes that we undergo,” Mitchell mentioned. “And tomorrow is one other check.”

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