INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- The LA Clippers have emerged as a resilient force in the NBA, showcasing their depth and determination as they faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the league’s top team, on March 18, 2025. Without head coach Tyronn Lue, who was sidelined due to intensified back pain, the Clippers managed to score a thrilling 132-119 victory, highlighting their ability to rise to the occasion during challenging times.
The Clippers had already navigated the week missing Lue for a three-game stretch earlier in March, during which they achieved a solid 2-1 record with assistant coach Brian Shaw at the helm. This time, their grit paid off as they extended their winning streak to four games, thanks in part to stellar performances from their key players.
Despite the absence of Lue, who has been struggling with back issues for several games, the team found their rhythm. Assistant coach Shaw, who took over the coaching responsibilities, emphasized the importance of sticking to their game plan. “We still get together as a coaching staff,” he remarked prior to the game. “It’s just on the phone now as opposed to in person.” Showing great trust in his players, Shaw noted that he would rely on their instincts and reads during the game.
Leading the charge for the Clippers was Kawhi Leonard, who scored a game-high 33 points on an impressive 12-for-18 shooting, including five for six from beyond the arc. Leonard also contributed seven rebounds and four assists, proving instrumental in managing the game tempo. Center Ivica Zubac celebrated his 28th birthday with a remarkable performance, adding a double-double with 29 points and 20 rebounds. James Harden chipped in with 22 points and nine assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered an efficient 20 points, marking 8-for-8 from the field. Derrick Jones Jr. added 10 points to round out a notable offensive effort by the Clippers.
The Cavaliers, entering the matchup with a staggering 56-11 record, were expected to offer fierce competition. They have been distinguished not only by their star-studded lineup, which includes All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, but also by their impressive depth. The Clippers managed to outpace their opponent in a game that saw them come back from a 12-point early deficit.
The Clippers faced a rocky start, giving up 73 points in the first half but found their footing after halftime, holding Cleveland to just 46 points in the second half, a testament to their improved defense under the temporary leadership of Shaw.
The pivotal moment came during a 20-3 run that carried the Clippers into the lead. Shaw noted, “This is the kind of game that should get my group’s juices flowing a little bit more,” and it was clear that the team fed off the electrifying atmosphere of the Intuit Dome. With a final score of 132-119, the Clippers not only secured a victory but handed the Cavaliers their second consecutive loss, breaking a 16-game winning streak.
The performance was not without its challenges. Shaw had to adjust to the game as it unfolded, making tactical choices that kept their offense clicking while maintaining a tight defense against a high-scoring Cavaliers squad. Cleveland’s Evan Mobley, who returned from injury, scored 17 points. However, it wasn’t enough to lift them back ahead.
Currently positioned as the eighth seed in the Western Conference, the Clippers are striving to improve their standing as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. With 13 games remaining, they face an important matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies next.
Reflecting on the victory, Shaw pointed to both the performance and his anticipation for Lue’s return: “Daily we get updates, but his back issues intensified again,” he remarked. “We’re all just hoping and praying that whatever it is, they can get to the bottom of it and he’ll be back.” The camaraderie and collaboration displayed by the Clippers, even amidst uncertainty, illustrated the team’s potential and heart. As they look ahead, building on this momentum will be crucial in securing a favorable playoff position.
With their recent success, the Clippers have demonstrated they can compete at the highest level, especially when teamwork and strategy are well-executed. Without a doubt, this win validates their status as one of the teams to watch as the playoffs approach in the challenging Western Conference.
