The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 120-105 on November 23, ending their six-game homestand with a 4-2 record. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 37 points, including a dominant third quarter that helped pull away from a close game. The win improved the Cavaliers to 12-6, while the Clippers fell to 5-12.
Game Overview
The Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Los Angeles Clippers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on November 23, securing a 120-105 victory. Cleveland outscored Los Angeles 33-19 from the bench and built a lead through key runs, particularly in the second half. The Cavaliers managed the win despite multiple injuries, using their 10th different starting lineup of the season.
Key Performances
Donovan Mitchell dominated with 37 points on 14-of-22 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three-point range, adding eight rebounds and six assists. He passed Kyrie Irving for fifth in Cavaliers history with 724 career threes. Evan Mobley recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. De'Andre Hunter scored 17 points, while Tyrese Proctor added 11 off the bench. Darius Garland contributed eight points and eight assists.
For the Clippers, Ivica Zubac nearly set a career high with 33 points and 18 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points in his return after missing 10 games due to a sprained right ankle, during which Los Angeles went 2-8. James Harden finished with 19 points but missed all eight three-point attempts. Chris Paul, who announced his retirement on November 22, played 17 minutes with five assists and received a warm ovation from the Cleveland crowd.
Timeline Highlights
- End of first quarter: Cavaliers 27-24.
- Halftime: Cavaliers 59-52, with Mitchell leading Cleveland with 18 points.
- Third quarter: Clippers narrowed a 13-point deficit to one, but Mitchell's consecutive three-point plays, a three-pointer, and two assists sparked a 15-3 run to end the quarter at 92-79.
- Fourth quarter: Cleveland pushed the lead to 18 early, holding off a Clippers 8-2 run.
Injuries
Cleveland ruled out Jarrett Allen (right third finger strain), Lonzo Ball (left knee injury management), Sam Merrill (right hand sprain), Craig Porter Jr. (left hamstring sprain), and Max Strus (left foot surgery). The Clippers had Bogdan Bogdanovic listed as questionable (left hip contusion) and ruled out Bradley Beal (left hip fracture), Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee sprain), and Jordan Miller (left hamstring injury management).
Upcoming: Cavaliers at Toronto on November 24; Clippers at Lakers on November 25.