INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Clippers stunned the Cleveland Cavaliers with a commanding 132-119 victory on March 18, 2025, halting the Cavs' momentum after they had suffered a loss just two days prior.
In what was their first meeting this season, the Clippers, now at 39-30 overall, pulled off this surprise at the Intuit Dome, marking a significant triumph for the team that is now fighting for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. The victory gives the Clippers their fourth consecutive win, keeping them firmly in the middle of the playoff picture.
Kawhi Leonard led the charge for Los Angeles, scoring an impressive 33 points and lending vital support to the team’s effort. Ivica Zubac had a standout performance as well, contributing 28 points and 20 rebounds. James Harden, with 22 points and nine assists, also played a critical role in the Clippers’ success. The team, which had been looking to assert its dominance, did so, showing physical tenacity on the court by outrebounding Cleveland 49-29.
The Cavaliers, despite leading by as many as 12 points in the first quarter, found themselves unable to maintain their advantage. They came into this game with confidence, having recently boasted a franchise-record 16-game winning streak, but the loss against the Orlando Magic on March 16, where they fell 108-103, left them vulnerable. Leading the way for the Cavaliers on this night was shooting guard Max Strus, who put up a season-high 24 points. Donovan Mitchell, returning from injury, added 18 points and 11 assists, while Evan Mobley scored 17 points. However, the losing streak extended for the Cavaliers to two games, marking their first back-to-back losses since January 22-25.
During the game, the Clippers showcased their defensive prowess, ranked second in the league, despite being without head coach Tyronn Lue due to ongoing back issues that have caused him to miss several games. Assistant coach Brian Shaw stepped up as acting head coach, guiding the team through challenges, including managing minutes and tactical effectiveness.
Despite entering the match with a solid 56-11 record, the Cavaliers appeared somewhat rattled as they struggled to respond to the Clippers’ intensity. They were 17 of 26 from the free-throw line, indicating a lack of composure in crucial moments. After leading 73-68 at halftime, the Cavaliers couldn't hold off the surging Clippers, who finished the game strong with a 30-18 advantage in the final quarter.
The night was defined not just by spectacular individual performances but also by a collective team effort that reflected well on the Clippers’ roster. This included critical contributions off the bench, where players like Bogdan Bogdanovic provided further support with a solid 20-point outing.
Moments throughout the game were punctuated by bursts of scoring that emphasized the stakes. The Cavaliers started strong but were outplayed as the game progressed. Following their initial assertiveness, Cleveland were faced with a barrage of three-pointers from the Clippers, who exploited defensive lapses. Los Angeles enjoyed a significant scoring run that widened the gap, effectively sealing the victory.
This decisive win gives the Clippers new momentum as they prepare for upcoming matchups against the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder. They now remain just outside the play-in tournament, proving their mettle amid adversity.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will visit the Sacramento Kings the following evening, aiming to bounce back and return to their winning ways, while the Clippers will seek to build on this momentum when they host Memphis on March 21.
