Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to make his MVP case with a dazzling 40 points and eight assists in just 29 minutes. Luguentz Dort dominated at both ends — his season-high 22 points and six 3s told just part of the story — and after Thursday’s game both the Thunder and Cavs have identical 34-6 records. But a much larger statement was made.

The Thunder announced Hartenstein will miss at least a week with a calf strain. Already without Chet Holmgren, OKC will likely rely on the small-ball approach it utilized earlier this season during the first time they were without a big.