Cavs' winning streak snapped by reigning champion Thunder, 121-113

Cleveland's new-look roster falls short against short-handed Oklahoma City squad

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:51pm

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The Cleveland Cavaliers' seven-game winning streak came to an end on Sunday as they lost to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder 121-113. Despite the Thunder missing several key players, they were still able to defeat the Cavs, who were looking to test their new-look roster against the league's best. The game had a Finals-like atmosphere, with the Thunder jumping out to an early lead thanks to Cleveland's uncharacteristic turnovers. The Cavs eventually recovered and even took the lead in the third quarter, but the Thunder were able to regain control and hold on for the victory.

Why it matters

This loss serves as a reality check for the Cavaliers, who had been riding high with their recent winning streak. It shows that even without their full roster, the Thunder are still an elite team capable of beating the league's top contenders. The game also highlighted areas where the Cavs need to improve, such as taking care of the ball, in order to compete with the best teams in the NBA.

The details

The Thunder jumped out to a 28-5 lead in the first quarter, taking advantage of 10 Cleveland turnovers in the first seven minutes. The Cavs were able to cut the deficit to single digits by halftime, and even took the lead in the third quarter. But the Thunder regained control and held on for the victory, despite missing several key players including MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sixth man Ajay Mitchell, and second-leading scorer Jalen Williams.

  • The Cavaliers' seven-game winning streak was snapped on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Cleveland's last loss before this game was on January 30, 2026 against the Phoenix Suns.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder's MVP, who missed the game due to an abdominal strain.

Ajay Mitchell

The Thunder's sixth man, who also missed the game due to an abdominal strain.

Alex Caruso

The Thunder's pesky defender, who missed the game due to an ankle sprain.

Jalen Williams

The Thunder's second-leading scorer, who missed the game due to a hamstring injury.

Kenny Atkinson

The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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What they’re saying

“Even without those key pieces, OKC was better Sunday. Probably just still is. But that won't be determined until June — if the two teams get there.”

— Chris Fedor, Author (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will host the New York Knicks on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The takeaway

This loss serves as a wake-up call for the Cavaliers, showing that even without their full roster, the reigning champion Thunder are still an elite team capable of beating the league's top contenders. The Cavs will need to shore up their ball-handling and defensive intensity if they want to compete with the best teams in the NBA.