CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers claimed a thrilling 129-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, effectively ending the Thunder's impressive 15-game winning streak in a game that echoed the intensity of an NBA Finals matchup.

Cleveland, boasting the best record in the league at 32-4, was led by Jarrett Allen, who scored 25 points and contributed crucial rebounds. Evan Mobley added 21 points, highlighting the Cavaliers' depth even on a subpar shooting night for their star, Donovan Mitchell, who managed only 11 points. Meanwhile, the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly, scoring 31 points in a valiant effort despite the loss.

The Celtics have solidified their standing as one of the two best teams in the NBA, with Cleveland leading in offensive efficiency and OKC showcasing a formidable defense. Their meeting on Wednesday featured numerous lead changes—30 in total—and neither team led by more than nine points, indicating just how closely matched these teams are. As noted by the NBA experts, "If Wednesday’s Cleveland-Oklahoma City game was a potential NBA Finals preview, sign me up for that right now" (USA Today).

The game also highlighted notable performances from both sides. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Thunder, while Cleveland's Darius Garland played a critical role with 18 points and multiple assists, showcasing the Cavaliers' versatility and team balance (AP News).

Despite the competitive nature of the game, Oklahoma City will seek to bounce back from this loss as they continue their four-game road trip, facing off against New York on Friday. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will host the Toronto Raptors, looking to extend their winning streak to 12 games.

This matchup was notable for its high stakes and the thrilling quality of play, as Cleveland and Oklahoma City both proved they are forces to be reckoned with this season. As they aim for the playoffs and potentially a Finals encounter, fans are hopeful for more clashes between these two powerhouse teams.

The two teams' NBA showdown showcased what could be the rivalry of the season as they battle not just for conference leads but also for a chance to compete for the championship. As both teams pass the "eye and data test," the anticipation builds for their future matchups (USA Today).