The Los Angeles Clippers secured a commanding 132-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, powered by a vintage performance from Kawhi Leonard and a dominant showing in the paint by Ivica Zubac. The Clippers’ offense was firing on all cylinders as they handed the Cavs their second consecutive loss.
Leonard’s Scoring Prowess and Zubac’s Paint Dominance
Kawhi Leonard put on a clinic, dropping 33 points on an efficient 12-of-18 shooting while also contributing seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Leonard’s ability to score at all three levels was on full display as he torched Cleveland’s defense with mid-range jumpers, strong finishes, and timely three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac was a force inside, recording a monstrous double-double with 28 points and 20 rebounds. The Clippers’ big man imposed his will in the paint, finishing 13-of-18 from the field while controlling the boards on both ends of the floor. His physical presence was too much for Cleveland to handle, as he repeatedly outmuscled defenders for second-chance opportunities.
Balanced Effort from the Clippers
James Harden orchestrated the offense masterfully, finishing with 22 points, nine assists, and zero turnovers, showcasing his elite playmaking ability. Bojan Bogdanovic was perfect from the field, going 8-of-8, including 4-of-4 from three-point range, to contribute 20 points and seven assists.
Cavs Struggle Despite Solid Performances
For the Cavaliers, Max Strus led the way with 24 points while knocking down five three-pointers. Donovan Mitchell struggled with his efficiency but still recorded 18 points and 11 assists. Darius Garland added 17 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Clippers’ relentless offense.
With this win, the Clippers continue to solidify their place among the top teams in the Western Conference, while the Cavaliers will need to regroup quickly to avoid an extended losing streak.