Kawhi Leonard returns, but struggling Clippers lose to Cavaliers

Kawhi Leonard Returns, But Clippers Fall to Cavaliers

Kawhi Leonard made his comeback after missing ten games with an ankle injury, yet the Los Angeles Clippers could not overcome the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing 120–105 on Sunday night.

Game Highlights

Leonard played limited minutes, showing solid form despite clear signs of rust. He finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds. The Clippers’ offensive rhythm, however, remained inconsistent.

Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell dominated the game, scoring 37 points and pushing the Cavaliers ahead early. Darius Garland contributed 18 points and 9 assists, ensuring steady control throughout the contest.

Clippers’ Struggles Continue

The Clippers’ defense faltered again, particularly on perimeter coverage. Although Paul George added 22 points and James Harden chipped in 16, their combined efforts could not counter Mitchell’s scoring streaks or Cleveland’s paint dominance.

Head coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the team’s ongoing issues with transition defense and ball movement, saying,

“We’re not connected right now. We’ve got to find our rhythm again and play together.”

Looking Ahead

The Clippers, now standing below .500, continue their road trip with their next matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Leonard’s return brings optimism, but the team must quickly rediscover chemistry to remain competitive in the Western Conference.

“It’s good to be back, but we’ve got to be better collectively,” Leonard noted postgame. “It’s about finding our groove.”

Author Summary: Kawhi Leonard’s return was encouraging but insufficient as Donovan Mitchell’s standout performance led Cleveland past the struggling Clippers.

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Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times — 2025-11-24

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