The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a decisive 124-89 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night at Intuit Dome, pulling away early in a game played just hours after the teams completed a blockbuster trade involving All-Stars. Cleveland improved to 30-21, while Los Angeles dropped to 23-26 with its second straight loss.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 29 points and nine assists, setting the tone with early shot creation and transition scoring. The guard finished 10-for-19 from the field as Cleveland controlled pace and spacing from the opening quarter.
Jaylon Tyson added 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, providing efficient production on the wing as the visitors built separation. Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the interior on both ends.
The Cavaliers completed a trade earlier in the day that sent Darius Garland to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden, though neither player suited up. Cleveland showed balance despite the roster shift, winning for the seventh time in eight games.
New acquisitions Dennis Schroder scored 11 points in his Cavaliers debut, while Keon Ellis added six points in his first appearance with the team. Both players were acquired from Sacramento as part of a three-team deal finalized Sunday.
Cleveland shot 51.0% from the field and made 16 three-pointers, generating consistent offense through ball movement and quick decisions. The Cavaliers also forced 24 turnovers and converted those mistakes into 47 points.
The Clippers struggled offensively, shooting 21.4% from three-point range and committing turnovers that stalled momentum. Los Angeles finished with just six made threes and failed to generate sustained scoring runs.
Cleveland opened a 20-point lead late in the first quarter before Los Angeles briefly cut the margin to eight early in the second. The Cavaliers responded with a strong close to the half, taking a 62-42 advantage into the break.
The lead continued to grow after halftime as Cleveland maintained pressure through defensive rotations and transition play. The margin reached 35 points in the fourth quarter, removing any chance of a comeback.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 25 points, while John Collins added 19 on 8-for-11 shooting. Rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser contributed 10 points and eight rebounds in extended minutes.
Los Angeles was without starting center Ivica Zubac due to the birth of his child, limiting rim protection against Cleveland’s interior attack. Derrick Jones Jr. returned after missing a month with a knee injury and finished with seven points.
The Clippers are now 17-5 since Dec. 20, though most of that stretch included Harden in the lineup. Wednesday marked the first game following his departure and highlighted turnover and spacing challenges.
The Cavaliers continue their road trip with a matchup at Sacramento on Saturday. The Clippers also travel to Sacramento, where they will face the Kings on Friday.
