Isaiah Joe continued his red-hot February on Sunday, scoring 22 points and swiping a career-best five steals as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. The 26-year-old guard knocked down 6-of-11 from deep and added three assists and two rebounds in 30 minutes.
“From a young age I’ve always taken pride in (defense),” Joe said after the game. “With the defenders we have, I try to stay physical, make the right rotations and win on that end.”
Rookie guard Cason Wallace, who logged his first NBA double-double with 20 points and 10 assists plus four rebounds and three steals, praised Joe’s off-ball instincts. “If you overplay him, he’ll back-cut and finish at the rim. He’s a high-level rebounder. He has a full game,” Wallace said.
Coach lauds stability amid injuries
Head coach Mark Daigneault called Joe “a stabilizing force” while the club navigates multiple injuries. Through nine games this month, Joe is averaging 16.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals, shooting 50.8% on three-pointers in 26.4 minutes.
Oklahoma City played without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell, yet still halted Cleveland’s seven-game winning streak. Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell said the result underscored the league’s depth: “This league is very talented,” he noted.
Holmgren, Caruso listed as questionable
All-Star center Chet Holmgren (lower back spasms) and Caruso (left ankle sprain) are questionable for Tuesday’s matchup with the Toronto Raptors.
Topic grateful after arduous comeback
Rookie guard Nikola Topic, 20, reflected on returning from a torn ACL and subsequent testicular cancer diagnosis after logging his second NBA appearance Friday. “The organization, players, coaches, medical team and fans were incredibly supportive,” he said, adding that the standing ovation in his first home game is a memory he will “remember for the rest of my life.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
