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Thunder crush Cavs

CLEVELAND (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, Chet Holmgren added 28 and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled to a 136-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

It is the 30th time in 42 games Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 30. The reigning NBA MVP is second in the league in scoring, averaging 31.8 points.

The Thunder — who improved to a league-best 36-8 — tied a season high with 23 3-pointers and made 48.9% from beyond the arc. Luguentz Dort made five 3’s and finished with 18 points, while Isaiah Joe (16 points) and Holmgren made four apiece.

It is Cleveland’s worst loss in a regular-season game in nearly two seasons since Kenny Atkinson became coach. The last time it lost by at least 30 was a 37-point defeat at Miami on March 24, 2024.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 19 points, while Jaylon Tyson had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Jarrett Allen had 16 points in his 600th NBA game.

Cleveland was only 8 of 35 on 3-pointers, with its 22.9% rate second-worst of the season. The Cavaliers (24-20) have eight losses in their last 14 at home. They are 14-11 at Rocket Arena after going 34-7 last season.

The Cavaliers got within 50-45 on a 3-pointer by De’Andre Hunter before the Thunder closed out the half on a 16-6 run that included six points by Isaiah Joe and five by Luguentz Dort made it 66-51 at halftime.

The Thunder made it a rout by going on a 23-5 run over the final 3:33 in which seven of their last shots were 3-pointers. They were 10 of 13 from long distance in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma City was already short-handed when it was announced guard/forward Jalen Williams will miss a couple weeks due to a right hamstring strain. Their bench got shorter when Alex Caruso (right groin soreness) and Jaylin Williams (low back contusion) left in the first half.

The Cavaliers will play Charlotte on Wednesday.

Referees’ test

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA will resume having referees wear headsets with earpieces and microphones Tuesday, with the test scheduled to continue through games of Feb. 12 before the league breaks for All-Star weekend.

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 12, referees had the headsets clipped onto their uniforms — then used it during instant replay reviews and other stoppages, but not actually during live play.

In this phase, referees will wear the earpieces throughout the game, including during live play, and be able to communicate directly with the replay center and each other at all times.

The league told teams on Monday that the first phase enhanced officiating accuracy and improved game flow. The league also is hoping the new headsets — also used by referees in the NFL, with FIFA, the top soccer leagues in England and Germany, and Major League Soccer as well — have improved technology, after audio quality and the ability to communicate with other referees without disruption was an issue in some cases during the first phase of the project.

The NBA has been testing the technology since 2022 at various events, including the G League Winter Showcase, NBA Summer League and NBA preseason games.

Welcome back

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Andrew Wiggins, with that infectious smile that left a lasting mark on Warriors teammates, coaches and fans, stood near the Golden State bench long before tipoff waiting for a moment to catch up with old pal Stephen Curry.

Curry took a quick break from his routine and they chatted and hugged before each got back to work. Wiggins returned to Chase Center with the Miami Heat on Monday night just shy of a year since the Warriors traded him to acquire Jimmy Butler.

“He’s the best,” Curry said before heading out for his pregame warmup.

Wiggins — who was the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers — received a warm ovation during pregame introductions, waving, clapping and putting his hand to his heart. A video tribute played on the big screen.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr knew it would stir up emotions to see Wiggins again, given how much he meant to the franchise in 5 1/2 seasons.

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