INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers secured a resounding 132-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 18, 2025, marking the East-leading Cavaliers' second consecutive loss.
Kawhi Leonard shone brightly for the Clippers, scoring 33 points, while Ivica Zubac dominated the boards with 28 points and 20 rebounds. James Harden also contributed significantly with 22 points and nine assists. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers saw Max Strus score a season-high 24 points, and Donovan Mitchell added 18 points and 11 assists, although he struggled with his shooting.
The match took place in Inglewood, with the Clippers clawing back from an early 12-point deficit. The Cavaliers had started strong, leading by that margin during a high-scoring first quarter. However, the Clippers mounted a comeback, utilizing a decisive 20-3 run that began at the end of the third quarter and carried over into the final frame. Bogdan Bogdanovic fueled this rally with seven points during that critical stretch, finishing the game with 20 points off the bench.
The Cavaliers, who came into the game with a remarkable 26-7 road record, found their winning streak halted after losing to Orlando just two days prior. The current defeat marks their second loss in a row, a rarity for the team, which last faced such a predicament in late January.
On paper, the Cavaliers outperformed in aspects like free-throw shooting, sinking 17 of 26 attempts, but they were unable to stop the Clippers' relentless offensive charge. The Clippers out-rebounded the Cavaliers significantly, controlling the glass with a 49-29 advantage.
While Strus's shooting kept the Cavaliers within striking distance, the team’s defense faltered, allowing the Clippers to steal momentum at crucial junctures. Zubac's presence in the paint and the effectiveness of the Clippers' perimeter shooting sparked a 45-point first quarter, contributing to the frantic pace of the game.
As the Cavaliers prepare for their next matchup against Sacramento on March 19, they search for answers on how to rectify their offensive struggles. Donovan Mitchell's performance, shooting just 5-18 from the field, and Darius Garland’s uneven contribution with 17 points, compounded the team's challenges.
Meanwhile, the Clippers, who had previously been without their head coach Tyronn Lue due to injury, showcased a resilient effort to maintain playoff positioning. With this victory, they continue to strengthen their claims for a postseason berth. They will host the Memphis Grizzlies on March 21.
Although the Cavaliers hold a comfortable lead in the Eastern Conference standings, their recent drop in performance has sparked concerns about their readiness for the playoffs. As the clock runs down on the regular season, fans and analysts alike are left wondering if this dip is merely a blip or a harbinger of greater issues to come.
As for the Clippers, this win not only boosts their confidence but also reflects their ability to rally under pressure, a trait they’ll need as they head into the final stretch of the season.
