INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points and the Los Angeles Clippers handed the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers their second straight loss, 132-119 on Tuesday night. Ivica Zubac had 28 points and 20 rebounds and James Harden added 22 points and nine assists in the Clippers’ fourth straight victory.
Max Strus scored a season-high 24 points for the Cavs, whose 16-game winning streak ended Sunday against Orlando. Their NBA-best road record dropped to 26-7 after they led by 12 in a 45-point first quarter. Donovan Mitchell had 18 points and 11 assists, and Evan Mobley scored 17 points in his return from a one-game absence with a foot contusion.
The Cavaliers faced a setback after losing two games in a row for the first time since January 22-25 when they dropped three straight. Despite this, they still maintain a comfortable lead in the Eastern Conference as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
The Clippers, on the other hand, demonstrated resilience by rallying from a 12-point deficit early in the game. It marked the fourth win in a row without their head coach Tyronn Lue, who is sidelined due to back spasms.
A decisive moment in the match occurred during the second half when the Clippers executed a 20-3 run. This surge transformed a back-and-forth contest into a 12-point lead in the final quarter, showcasing their tenacity and ability to seize critical moments.
Controlling the boards was a significant factor in the Clippers' victory, as they out-rebounded the Cavaliers 49-29. Additionally, the Cavaliers struggled at the free-throw line, making just 17 of 26 attempts.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will travel to Sacramento to finish a back-to-back on Wednesday, while the Clippers prepare to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
Zubac, celebrating his 28th birthday, remarked, “It’s my birthday, I had to bring it,” showing a competitive spirit and determination to secure the win against a top-tier opponent.
The atmosphere at the game felt reminiscent of the playoffs, with both teams and fans engaged in the high-stakes nature of the competition. Leonard even acknowledged the fans’ role in creating a thrilling environment, stating, “We need these wins coming down the stretch right now. It’s giving you a playoff atmosphere, especially with the crowd being engaged the whole time.”
In conclusion, as the Clippers continue their climb towards playoff contention, they will need to build on this momentum. The win against the Cavaliers not only showcased their skills on the court but also their resolve as they strive for a place in the postseason.
