KEY POINTS
- Max Strus scored 24 points and sank a decisive 3-pointer with 54 seconds remaining.
- Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 25 points to help Cleveland win their seventh game in nine outings.
- Golden State played their 27th consecutive game without star guard Stephen Curry due to a knee injury.
The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive spring surge by defeating the Golden State Warriors 118-111 on Thursday night. Max Strus delivered a standout performance at the Chase Center to help the visiting team secure another victory. The sharp-shooting guard finished the contest with 24 points while providing crucial plays in the final minute of regulation.
Cleveland entered the game during a demanding stretch of five games in eight nights. Despite the heavy schedule, the Cavaliers displayed significant energy and defensive focus throughout the evening. Star guard Donovan Mitchell spearheaded the offensive attack by contributing 25 points and six rebounds. His consistent scoring helped Cleveland maintain a lead for much of the second half.
The game remained competitive until the closing stages when Max Strus took control of the momentum. With just 54 seconds left on the clock, Strus drained a deep 3-pointer to extend the Cavaliers’ lead. James Harden then sealed the result with a driving layup in the final seconds. Harden finished the night with 19 points and five assists for the winning side.
Golden State fought back despite missing several key contributors from their rotation. The Warriors once again took the floor without Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined since late January. Curry has missed 27 straight games with an injured right knee, though he recently returned to full-contact scrimmaging. Team officials indicated his return to the court could happen as early as Sunday against the Rockets.
In Curry’s absence, Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos stepped up to lead the Golden State scoring effort. Both players finished with 25 points apiece as the Warriors attempted to snap a recent losing trend. Santos returned to the lineup after recovering from a pelvic injury while De’Anthony Melton also rejoined the rotation.
The contest featured several heated moments during the fourth quarter between the two rival franchises. Cleveland guard Dennis Schroder was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for a hard challenge on LJ Cryer. Draymond Green received a technical foul during the following altercation after shoving Schroder while assisting his teammate. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson also earned a technical foul during the emotional stretch of play.
Draymond Green achieved a personal milestone during the game despite the loss for his team. He moved into third place on the Warriors’ all-time career rebounding list by passing Larry Smith. Golden State also saw the return of Kristaps Porzingis, who provided 16 points and seven rebounds after resting on Wednesday.
With this win, Cleveland has now won seven of its last nine games to solidify its playoff positioning. The Cavaliers showed poise by managing the clock and executing their sets during high-pressure situations. The team will look to carry this momentum into the final weeks of the regular season.
