Last season, the double confrontation between Thunder and Cavs was played out in the near anonymity of the first weeks of competition. Total change of atmosphere for the poster for the night to come which generates its share of superlatives. On the official NBA websiteit is a question of a confrontation “ historical “.
Because for the first time in NBA history, teams with streaks of 15 wins – the Thunder – and 10 wins – the Cavs – will face each other. This match is also the duel between the best attack in the league (Cleveland) and the best defense (OKC). The two franchises with the best “net rating” as well.
Two small markets ahead
They are also the first teams to have a streak of 15 wins or more – the Cavs started their season like this – during the same season since Toronto and Milwaukee did it in 2019-20. Also, this will only be the third match in history where two teams with a series of at least ten victories face each other.
So much for the general decor. What about the protagonists, how do they see this duel? “ This is why we play (miming quotation marks with fingers)for these big matches. It's nice for the teams in question, but also for the fans. It's great for the NBA when two teams play historically well “, suits Kenny Atkinson.
This promise of great audience success, for these two teams less exposed than the “big” markets, nonetheless remains a match scheduled before even reaching the middle of the season. “ We don't see it as if it were the Finals, it's a regular season match, a test. We want to see where we stand against the best », continues the coach.
“ In the end, it's another test. There is no title on the line today, but we can learn a lot about ourselves through these stages “, adds Donovan Mitchellwhose duel with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sparked last year. The two All-Stars had each planted 43 points in one of the two rounds, won by the Thunder.
Don't overdo it
“ Every game is one of 82 of the season, like I always say, but this one is cool. They are the best team in the league. It's on their land. They play very well. We obviously play very well. So it’s a unique opportunity to compete against a great team, we can’t wait to be there “, enthuses Mark Daigneaultwho does not want “ underestimate cumulative experiences » by the Cavs in recent years.
His team sits at the top of the West with 30 wins and 5 losses, one victory less than their opponents of the evening, at the top of the league (31v-4d). This is only the second time in history that two franchises have started with a record of 30 wins and 5 losses, or better, in the same season. Lakers and Bucks did the same in 1971-72.
The preparation mistake not to make according to Atkinson? “ If you try to do too much, to think too much, you risk confusing their minds. I've made this mistake in the past. 'It's a big match, we have to win it.' And we make too many adjustments, too many changes », Reports the coach without wanting to specify which past match it was about.
One thing is certain, both teams will have little time to adjust to each other after tonight. Because the second and final confrontation, in the regular season, between them will take place next week, Thursday January 17.
