Cavaliers outlast similarly undermanned Clippers in overtime

Cleveland Cavaliers rebound from a tough road trip

The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from two consecutive losses to outlast the Los Angeles Clippers, 120-111. Hosting the first leg of a five-game homestand, the Cavs needed every bit of energy from the home crown to finally secure the victory in extra time.

Even after going on a massive 20-6 run to close the third period, Cleveland could not shake off the equally resilient Clippers squad, who once again raced back to tie the game in the final period and force the extra five minutes of play. Fortunately, the home team completely slammed the door on their gassed opponents in OT.

Cavaliers All-Star Darius Garland kept the team on pace with 24 points and 13 assists while shooting 4-for-9 from deep. He continued to shoot below average from the field overall but has shown marked improvement in handling the increased workload and defensive attention.

NBA Rookie of the Year frontrunner Evan Mobley also continued his meteoric rise in the absence of frontcourt partner Jarrett Allen, tallying a career-record (also game-high) 30 markers while fellow rising star Isaac Okoro stepped up with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the win.

Cavs still remain in danger of slipping down to play-in territory

The return of both Lauri Markkanen (17 points) and Caris LeVert, who added 11 points in restricted minutes, made all the difference for Cleveland, who had struggled to put points on the board during their past two losses on the road.

Cleveland, who have now fielded 25 different starting lineups owing to injuries and illnesses, was fortunate that their opponents were just as hurting. Still without stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers also decided to rest Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris Sr. in the second night of a back-to-back.

However, even with the win, the 38-29 Cavaliers’ position in sixth place remains in jeopardy as the surging Toronto Raptors–winners of their last four assignments–lurk dangerously close and are now behind by just one game.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to score a couple more wins and tighten their hold on the final playoff spot, but the next assignment would be much tougher as the Philadelphia 76ers come to town on March 16.