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.

They brace for it, watch film of the potential fatalities. A fortunate few have escaped. But all endure pain, customary when you step onto the pale hardwood in Oklahoma City.  Slow, 48-minute death — just three quarters if the damage is done like it has been three times this past week — by 1,

Mitchell, who is second among Eastern Conference guards in All-Star voting and likely to receive his sixth consecutive nod, finished with eight measly points on 3 of 15 from the field and 1 of 4 from 3-point range in 21 unproductive minutes.