In the news: OKC Thunder destruction of Cavaliers prompts spotlight shift

In the news January 22 finds OKC Thunder fans basking in the epitome of a ‘feel good win’  while the team they annihilated is dangerously close to imploding.

Since Sam Presti traded for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony OKC Thunder fans awaited a game like the one delivered Saturday afternoon. Sure, the Warriors win was incredibly satisfying. But, it was a different type of win. Revenge matches will always taste sweeter.

Beating the Cavaliers was arguably equally as important as the blowout win over the Warriors. Cleveland are in free fall having lost 10 of their last 14 games. And during this stretch LeBron and company have lost to upper echelon and lottery teams with equal aplomb.

They’ve been blown out in back-to-back games by 28 (Wolves) and 34 points (Raptors). And, they’ve given up double digit leads (Pacers, Magic) and played fully focused only to be easily dispensed of in clutch time (Warriors).

Prior to playing OKC the Cavs barely beat the Magic, so there was ample inspiration to win and stop the bleeding. In other words this was not a trap game; Cleveland knew how important beating the Thunder (especially on their home court) was.

Generally games have ebbs and flows with obvious momentum shifts; however from the tip this game always felt like the Thunder was in charge and would win.