NBA Recap: Thunder Snap Cavaliers’ Streak, Key Results from February 22-23, 2026

A busy NBA schedule concluded on Monday, February 23, 2026, with eleven games played between Sunday evening, February 22nd, and the early hours of Monday. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers highlighted the action, ending Cleveland’s seven-game winning streak.

Oklahoma City Thunder Defeat Cleveland Cavaliers

The Oklahoma City Thunder (44-14) defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-22) with a final score of 121-113 on February 22nd. ESPN reports that Cason Wallace led the Thunder with 20 points and 10 assists, while Chet Holmgren contributed 17 points and 15 rebounds. For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden each scored 20 points.

Key Results from February 22nd

• Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets: The Hawks won 115-104, led by Jalen Johnson with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
• Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors: The Raptors defeated the Bucks 122-94, with Immanuel Quickley scoring 32 points.
• Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets: The Warriors secured a 128-117 victory, with Moses Moody scoring 23 points. Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists for the Nuggets.
• Indiana Pacers vs. Dallas Mavericks: The Pacers won 134-130, with Khris Middleton scoring 25 points.
• Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets defeated the Wizards 129-112, highlighted by LaMelo Ball’s triple-double (37 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists).
• Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics: The Celtics won 111-89, with Jaylen Brown scoring 32 points.
• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Philadelphia 76ers: The Timberwolves defeated the 76ers 135-108, led by Anthony Edwards with 28 points.
• Chicago Bulls vs. Latest York Knicks: The Knicks won 105-99, with Karl-Anthony Towns achieving a double-double (28 points and 11 rebounds).
• Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers: The Trail Blazers upset the Suns 92-77, with Donovan Clingan scoring 23 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
• Los Angeles Clippers vs. Orlando Magic: The Magic narrowly defeated the Clippers 111-109, with Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. Each scoring 36 points.

Thunder’s Short-Handed Victory

The Oklahoma City Thunder achieved their victory despite being without several key players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Jalen Williams (strained right hamstring), as well as Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso. CBS Sports notes that the Thunder converted 17 turnovers into 31 points and shot 21 of 41 from beyond the arc (51.2%).

According to The New York Times, the Thunder’s physicality and relentless defense were key factors in the win, with Donovan Mitchell noting the team’s tendency to foul, a complaint echoed by Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson.