Matthew Dellavedova was called into Cleveland’s starting line-up to replace LeBron James. Source: Getty Images

The Australian point guard was a late call-up into the starting five after James, battling knee soreness, was rested for the Cavaliers’ road game in Oklahoma City.

The Cavaliers were unable to overcome their superstar’s absence, going down 103-94 after getting close late in the final quarter, but it was Dellavedova’s 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in his 33 minutes on court that had fans excited.

Dellavedova had a hot hand with five-of-eight shooting, including four-of-six from deep in just his third game back from injury, and narrowed a 20-point margin to just 14 in the final quarter when he nailed back to back three-pointers.

Russell Westbrook scored 26 points for Oklahoma City, netting 12 of 24 shots to go with his eight assists and seven rebounds. Kevin Durant added 19 points for the Thunder, who have won four straight and six of seven after a 3-12 start.

Kyrie Irving topped Cleveland’s sheet with 20 points, but he made just seven of 21 shots and gave his team another injury scare in the first half.

With 1:31 left in the second quarter, Irving jumped to contest a shot by Westbrook and his knee connected with Westbrook’s knee on the way down.

Irving clutched his knee and was then was helped off the court. A Cavaliers spokesman said it was a left knee contusion, and Irving returned to start the second half.