INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Los Angeles Clippers 132-119 on March 19, 2025, marking their second consecutive loss this season. The defeat leaves the Cavs struggling to regain momentum as they approach the end of the regular season.
Despite a strong start with a 45-point first quarter, Cleveland could not maintain their lead, scoring just 74 points for the remainder of the game, including a mere 17 points in the fourth quarter. This pattern of late-game struggles has now been an issue two games in a row.
Max Strus led the Cavaliers with 24 points but received little support in the second half, where his teammates combined to shoot just 33.3% from the field and an alarming 5.9% from beyond the arc. The Clippers capitalized on this inefficiency, showcasing their prowess as one of the top teams in the league.
Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who has struggled in recent outings, contributed 18 points and 11 assists but was ineffective in crucial moments. Mitchell shot only 3-for-12 from the field in the fourth quarter of the previous game against Orlando and followed that up with a dismal 1-for-10 showing during the second half against Los Angeles.
Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson noted the need for immediate improvements. “Winning the possession game is essential for us,” he said. “We didn’t do that tonight, and it cost us.” The Clippers controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Cavs 49-29, which included 20 second-chance points.
Ivica Zubac dominated underneath for Los Angeles, finishing with 28 points and 20 rebounds. James Harden also made significant contributions with 22 points and nine assists, while Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 33 points.
The Cavaliers appeared poised to extend their winning streak into the playoffs but now find themselves needing to regroup quickly. The loss to the Clippers, despite their earlier impressive performance, raises concerns about their late-game execution. “A few missed shots can change everything,” Mitchell reflected. “We’ve got to stay focused and ready for the next challenge.”
Looking ahead, the Cavs will visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday to round out a back-to-back, while the Clippers host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. The Cavaliers will need to improve their consistency and rebounding ability to avoid further losses as they aim to solidify their playoff position.
