“NBA”: Clippers Mount Comeback to Defeat Cavaliers in Thrilling Win
Kawhi Leonard and Croatian center Ivica Zubac led the Los Angeles Clippers to an impressive comeback victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 132-119 in an NBA showdown on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics also secured victories.
The Clippers handed the Cavaliers their second consecutive defeat, despite Cleveland’s strong start in their five-game road trip, scoring 45 points in the first quarter and leading 73-68 at halftime.
However, the Clippers, playing without their head coach Tyronn Lue due to back spasms, delivered a strong defensive performance in the second half, limiting the Cavaliers to just 46 points. This resulted in Cleveland’s first back-to-back losses since January.
Max Strus led the Cavaliers with 24 points, but their winning streak, which had reached 16 games, was halted on Sunday by the Orlando Magic.
Celebrating his 28th birthday, Zubac said: “It’s my birthday, and I had to give my best,” adding that the Clippers were determined to win as they continue their push to catch Golden State and the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth seed in the Western Conference and secure a direct playoff spot.
