In an electrifying showdown that unfolded in Los Angeles on April 7, the Clippers staged a stunning comeback to secure a heart-pounding 120-118 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the Clippers trailing by as much as 26 points, it seemed all but certain that the Cavaliers had the win in the bag.
However, the Clippers, fueled by an exceptional performance from Paul George, who exploded for 23 of his total 39 points in the final quarter, alongside James Harden’s crucial 22 points, flipped the narrative entirely.
This monumental rally not only marked their 50th win of the NBA season but also etched this match in the history books as the third-largest comeback victory the Clippers franchise has ever achieved.
The Dramatic Finale
In the closing moments of the game, the atmosphere was electric. Terance Mann stepped up for the Clippers, sinking a crucial tying 3-pointer. Moments later, Amir Coffey clenched the lead, hitting another 3-pointer, making the score 118-115. This was the first time the Clippers led since the initial quarter, turning the game on its head. The Cavaliers didn’t back down, though.
Jarrett Allen managed to tie the game once again at 118 by completing a stellar three-point play. With the clock ticking down, George showcased his talent by hitting a decisive jumper, bringing the score to 120-118 with just seven seconds left on the clock. Remarkably, George was flawless from the free-throw line, making all 16 of his attempts.
In a final effort to snatch victory, the Cavs’ Darius Garland drove hard but was blocked by George. Cleveland secured the offensive rebound, giving Max Strus a chance at a desperate shot. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, his attempt from the corner missed as time ran out, cementing the Clippers’ dramatic comeback victory. This win brought the Clippers to the 50-win milestone for the first season since 2016-17, achieved without star player Kawhi Leonard, who was sidelined due to knee inflammation.
The Cavaliers, having dominated for the majority of the game and extending their lead to 26 points at one stage, found themselves on the wrong end of a historic comeback. Despite the loss, the focus on the Cavaliers money line showed their early game dominance and potential for future success.
Clippers’ Rally to Victory
The Clippers drastically outplayed the Cavaliers in the game’s critical moments, outscoring them 29-6 towards the end of the third quarter and at the beginning of the fourth. This incredible surge was highlighted by George, who scored five straight points through a 3-pointer and two free throws, reducing the gap to just three points at 100-97.
Regardless, the Cavaliers were a formidable scoring threat, as six players—including all five starters—reached double digits. Darius Garland scored 28 points, followed by 20 each from Max Strus and Evan Mobley. Caris LeVert, stepping in for All-Star Donovan Mitchell, added 18 points, and Jarrett Allen rounded out the effort with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell, hindered by an injured left knee for several weeks, was absent following the Cavaliers’ 19-point defeat to the Lakers the previous day. The Cavaliers, increasingly anxious as the playoffs approach, are being cautious with Mitchell’s injury management. At a certain point in the third quarter, Cleveland had extended their lead to 26 points, with Allen scoring 10 points in that period, including eight of the team’s first 15 points.
The Cavaliers’ loss dropped them to the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, meaning they would have to go on the road to New York in the first round if the playoffs ended today. The Clippers, meanwhile, further entrenched themselves as the No. 4 seed. If the season ended today, they would host the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round.
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