Clippers win over Cavaliers 132-119

The recent matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers culminated in a decisive 132-119 victory for the Clippers, effectively ending the Cavaliers' two-game losing streak. This game showcased the resilience of the Clippers, who overcame a 12-point deficit early on. The turning point was marked by an impressive 20-3 run that spanned both the third and fourth quarters, allowing them to seize control of the game .

The test for the Clippers came from the team that’s second in scoring (122.5 points), second in field-goal percentage (49.2), first in three-point shooting percentage (38.8) and has seven players averaging double-digit points.

That’s what the Clippers were up against when they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Intuit Dome on Tuesday night, and they had to do it without coach Tyronn Lue, who missed the game because of recurring back pain.

Cleveland took an early double-digit lead, and there were seven ties and nine lead changes through the first three quarters, but the Clippers opened the fourth on a 9-1 run – taking a 12-point edge and keeping the Cavaliers at arm’s length the rest of the way. 

The Cavaliers didn’t post their sharpest performance on Tuesday, shooting 65 percent from the stripe, failing to block a single shot and finishing on the wrong end of a 49-29 disparity on the boards. 

Kawhi Leonard emerged as a standout performer, scoring 33 points and demonstrating his leadership on both ends of the court. Ivica Zubac also made significant contributions with 28 points and nearly double-digit rebounds, highlighting his impact in securing second-chance opportunities . In contrast, despite a strong start with a remarkable 45-point first quarter, the Cavaliers struggled significantly in their second-half performance. Notably, Donovan Mitchell's inability to convert crucial shots limited Cleveland's offensive output .

This game serves as a critical reminder of how momentum can shift within a contest. The Clippers capitalized on their defensive adjustments and rebounding prowess—securing over 41% of their missed shots—which ultimately led to their fourth consecutive win . As teams prepare for playoff positioning later in the season, this victory could be pivotal for establishing confidence among players and coaching staff alike.

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Sarah H

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