The LA Clippers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 132-119 in front of a roaring Intuit Dome crowd on Tuesday.
This was a high scoring affair from tip off, as Cleveland and Los Angeles scored 45 and 37 in the 1st quarter, respectively. The Cavs jumped out to an early 13-point lead, but the Clippers battled their way back.
At the half, the Cavs led 73-68.
Both teams traded blows throughout the game, but toward the end of the 3rd quarter, the Clippers flipped the script. They went on a 22-5 run to take control of the game.
LA ended the game with a 13-point lead. The buzzer sounded and the crowd at the Intuit Dome celebrated the huge win.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 33 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. He also dominated on the defensive side, grabbing 4 steals.
On his 28th birthday, Ivica Zubac had a monstrous performance. The 7-footer scored 28 points and grabbed 20 rebounds. His presence was felt on defense as he limited Jarrett Allen to just 8 points and 8 rebounds.
While James Harden struggled from the field, he dished out 9 assists to go along with 22 points. For Harden, this is his 9th consecutive game of scoring over 20 points.
Newly acquired Clipper Bogdan Bogdanovic had himself a perfect game, as he scored 20 points on 8-for-8 shooting along with 7 assists.
Norman Powell was limited to just 18 minutes, as this is his second game back from a hamstring injury. He scored 11 points on 3-for-6 shooting.
On Cleveland’s side, Max Struss led the way with 24 points. Struss was on fire, as he went 5-for-8 from the 3-point line.
Donovan Mitchell struggled, as he only went 5-for-18 from the field. He created open looks for his teammates as he had 11 assists.
De’Andre Hunter had an efficient night as he scored 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
Evan Mobley also scored 17 points. He only grabbed 3 rebounds.
With this win, the Clippers improved their home record to 24-10. Cleveland’s away record is now 26-7.
Kawhi Leonard acknowledged the home crowd’s contributions to the win.
“We need these wins coming down the stretch right now,” said Leonard. “It’s giving you a playoff atmosphere, especially with the crowd being engaged the whole time. Thanks to the fans showing up tonight.”
The Clippers have won 4 in a row, as they continue to attempt to move up in the standings. LA is currently 8th in the Western Conference with a 39-30 record. They are battling with the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves for 6th to avoid the play-in.
LA will look to continue their winning ways with a home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
For the Cavaliers, this is their second loss in a row, after a 16-game winning streak. They still sit atop of the Eastern Conference with a 52-12 record.
Cleveland has a chance to get back in the winning column with a game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
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