The Cleveland Cavaliers solidified their status as one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s top contenders on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 129-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. In a clash between two conference leaders, the Cavaliers showcased their depth and team chemistry, sparking bold declarations from stars Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.



“I’m trying to be as humble as possible. But… yeah, I should be an All-Star,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darius-garland">Garland</a> said in a postgame interview shared by reporter Chris Fedor on his X account. He went on to add, “There should be four of us on this team that are All-Stars.”



Darius’ confidence mirrors the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-cavaliers">Cavaliers</a>’ impressive form. While he didn’t explicitly name the other three, it’s likely he was referring to teammates Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell—all of whom have played pivotal roles in Cleveland’s rise to the top.



The Cavaliers’ performance against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder">Oklahoma City</a> underscored their balanced roster. Allen led the team with 25 points, while Mobley added 21, and Garland contributed 18. Mitchell chipped in 11 points, matching Dean Wade, while key bench contributions came from Max Strus and Ty Jerome. The game demonstrated not only the brilliance of Cleveland’s stars but also the depth and versatility of their roster.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250109_BUS_309716_Darius-Garland-1024x576_82e8fa72.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-309719" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09143052/Darius-Garland.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates a basket during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mitchell praises team growth</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/donovan-mitchell">Donovan Mitchell</a>, a cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ success, lauded the collective effort after the game. Speaking to reporters, Mitchell highlighted how the team’s chemistry has been critical to their success this season. “It just speaks to our growth,” Mitchell said, per ESPN. “I told everybody after the game, as a unit, we don’t win this game last year.”



Mitchell emphasized the team’s ability to rely on contributions from across the roster. “Everybody that came in did something positive to affect the game, whether it was scoring, rebounding, defending, whatever it may be. That’s a team win, and that’s what it’s going to take for us to be the team we want to be.”



The 28-year-old shooting guard was thrilled with the victory, calling it a significant moment in the Cavaliers’ season. “Honestly, man, that’s a big win. I think we’re all excited about it,” Mitchell said. However, he tempered the excitement with perspective, adding, “Obviously, this is one game, and no championships are won tonight, but it’s something to be proud of.”



<h2>What’s next for the Cavaliers?</h2>



The Cleveland Cavaliers’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder not only solidified their status as a top contender but also reaffirmed their league-best 32-4 record. However, with the season far from over, the team knows they must remain focused to maintain their position atop the standings.


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nba/charles-barkley-names-the-top-nba-team-of-the-season-reveals-what-makes-them-scary"></div>


Their next challenge comes quickly, as Cleveland is set to face the Toronto Raptors at home this Thursday. With the Raptors eager to climb the Eastern Conference ladder, the Cavaliers will need to bring the same level of intensity and depth that has propelled them to this dominant start.

Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland send strong message to NBA after victory over Thunder

NBA News: Lakers coach JJ Redick praises Cleveland Cavaliers, reveals secret to beating them

NBA News: Tyronn Lue claims LeBron and Irving could’ve won more titles together in Cleveland

Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland send strong message to NBA after victory over Thunder - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The NBA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/warriors-news-stephen-curry-steve-kerr-want-andrew-wiggins-to-play-in-nba-all-star-game-20220103-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All-Star </a>Game is always all about the fans. But more often than not, fan votes aren’t exactly fair. Obviously, with that many <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-and-the-leading-candidates-for-mvp-right-now-20220107-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">talented players</a> in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-james-harden-explains-his-frustration-with-kyrie-irving-and-nets-20220126-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a>, it’s usual to see a couple of big snubs every year for this game.
Something really special happenedthis year in particular. A singer from K-pop band BTS started a campaign to make Andrew Wiggins an NBA All-Star starter, with his fanbase taking over social media to get it done.
And, while the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/steve-kerr-steph-curry-address-his-career-worst-shooting-slump-20220125-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warriors</a> player was having a very solid season, perhaps All-Star starter was a bit of a reach. Moreover, it took a spot away from a player who may have deserved it more. Here, we’re going to let you know about the 5 players that made a case for being All-Star starters but fell short due to fan votes.
<h2>NBA All-Star Game: 5 Players Who Were Snubbed Of A Starting Spot, Ranked</h2>
<h3>5. Darius Garland</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_darius_garland.jpg_22993414_7b9c6d72.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Darius Garland- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
</div>
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season. Pairing Evan Mobley with Jarrett Allen has done wonders for their defense, and Darius Garland is leading the race for Most Improved Player.
Garland has kept his foot on the gas even after Collin Sexton’s season-ending injury. He’s averaging career-highs in points (19.7) and assists (8.2) per game while shooting 46.7% from the floor. Also, the up-and-coming Cavs are third in the East, against all odds.
<h3>4. Luka Doncic</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_luka_doncic.jpg_22993414_28c631c5.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Luka Doncic- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
</div>
Luka Doncic is one of the biggest fan favorites around the world, so he’s a lock to be an All-Star reserve at least. His game is tailor-made for these kinds of games he’s one of the finest entertainers with his no-look passes and crafty moves.
Doncic is once again near the leaders in all major categories in the league. Thus far, he’s averaging 25.2 points to go along with 8.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers per contest.
<h3>3. Devin Booker</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_devin_booker.jpg_22993414_868c6c1d.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Devin Booker- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
</div>
Unsurprisingly, the team with the second-best record in the league didn’t have a single All-Star starter. Once again, the public continues to sleep on small-market teams like the Phoenix Suns, even if they’re coming off a trip to the NBA Finals.
Devin Booker continues to blossom as one of the most efficient and prolific scorers in the league. He’s averaging 25.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while playing winning basketball, yet the fans don’t seem to care.
<h3>2. James Harden</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_james_harden.jpg_22993414_4b87f79c.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> James Harden- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
</div>
We got used to James Harden averaging 30+ points per game like if it was something normal, yet there’s nothing normal about that. Even if his scoring numbers have taken a dip, he’s still an All-Star starter.
Harden is currently leading the league in assists per game (10.1) while averaging 23.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.4 triples. He struggled early in the season but has shouldered a big load as of late with Kevin Durant out and Kyrie Irving in and out of the lineup.
<h3>1. Zach LaVine</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220130_BUS_183289_zach_lavine.jpg_22993414_ddf8ef66.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Zach LaVine – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
</div>
It’s time Zach LaVine finally gets his flowers. He’s way more than just a dunker and is getting better on nearly every aspect of the game as the years go by. Also, he didn’t mind giving up a couple of shots per game to have DeMar DeRozan next to him.
While DeRozan has stolen most of the headlines, LaVine has been as good as him, if not better. Thus far, he’s averaging 24.9 points with 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.9 triples per game on 48/40/87 shooting splits.

darius garland

Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland send strong message to NBA after victory over Thunder

Zach LaVine, Luka Doncic, and the biggest NBA All-Star starter snubs