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CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers answers questions from the media during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Rocket Arena on September 29, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Earlier this week, the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Oklahoma City Thunder (in Oklahoma).
The Cavs had come into the game riding high (on a five-game winning streak).
However, the Thunder won by a score of 121-113.
Playing without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Thunder were led by Isaiah Joe (who finished with 22 points while shooting 6/11 from three-point range).
Donovan Mitchell Speaks On OKC Thunder
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – FEBRUARY 22: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on February 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
After the game, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell was asked about the Thunder when he met with the media (h/t @HoodiGarland).
Mitchell: “Yeah, they foul. There’s no secret to that, they foul… They’re not calling it so it’s not a foul. It’s frustrating but you just can’t let it get under your skin.”
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Donovan Mitchell on OKC Thunder:
“Yeah they foul. There’s no secret to that. They’re not calling it so it’s not a foul. It’s frustrating but you just can’t let it get under your skin.”
Fans will likely enjoy hearing how blunt Mitchell was in his postgame presser.
He finished the loss with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals while shooting 9/19 from the field and 0/6 from three-point range in 35 minutes of playing time.
Here’s what fans were saying about Mitchell’s comments:
@cubert9 wrote: “Everyone whines about the league not being physical. Thunder play physical. Its rough, but physical hard nosed old school ball. Then everyone complains about that.”
@LongLiveHinkie added: “I mean dude I try to be objective as a Thunder fan. There are some people who Lu Dort just owns. Donovan Mitchell is the best example. Brandon Ingram is probably the second best example. There are others. It’s not everyone though”
@Pepepopo1245 wrote: “Why is okc the only team that gets complaints, the pistons are arguably worse when it comes to fouling, they literally live by the motto “you can’t call everything” 😭😭”
With their victory over the Cavs, the Thunder improved to 44-14 in 58 games, which has them as the first seed in the Western Conference.
They are in the middle of a two-game winning streak (and have won six out of ten).
Following the Cavs, the Thunder will play their next game on Tuesday when they visit the Toronto Raptors in Canada.
First Take
“Without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, I don’t have Oklahoma City as a top 8 team.”
—@stephenasmith on the Thunder’s outlook without SGA 👀
On the other side, the Cavs dropped to 36-22 in 58 games, which has them as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
They have gone 8-2 over their last ten games (and are 17-11 on the road).
Following the Thunder, the Cavs will play their next game on Tuesday night when they host Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in Ohio.
Underdog NBA wrote: “The Knicks and Cavs, last 15 games: Knicks: 12-3 record No. 1 defense Cavs: 12-3 record No. 1 offense New York at Cleveland tonight.”
Underdog NBA
The Knicks and Cavs, last 15 games:
Knicks: 12-3 record No. 1 defense
Cavs: 12-3 record No. 1 offense
New York at Cleveland tonight.
Mitchell is in his fourth season playing for the Cavs.
He is currently averaging 28.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range in 54 games.
The Cavs also lost to the Thunder (on January 19) by a score of 136-104.
They will only meet again this season (if they both reach the NBA Finals).