Cleveland Cavaliers Complete Season Sweep of Golden State Warriors with Dominant 113-95 Victory
The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered another impressive performance on Monday night, securing a season series sweep over the Golden State Warriors with a dominant 113-95 victory. This win not only marked their second victory over the Warriors this season but also reinforced the Cavaliers’ strong defensive identity, which played a pivotal role in their commanding win.
Back in their first meeting on November 8, the Cavaliers had already shown their ability to handle the Warriors with a 19-point win at home. On Monday, they took their talents on the road and delivered a nearly identical performance, this time dismantling Golden State at the Chase Center. The victory was especially sweet for Cleveland, as it further solidified their status as a legitimate playoff contender and demonstrated their ability to shut down a potent offensive team like the Warriors.
Defensive Dominance: Cavaliers Stifle Warriors’ Offense
Cleveland’s defensive effort on Monday night was nothing short of stellar. The Warriors, a team that has been lethal from beyond the arc this season, were held to a dismal 33.3% shooting from the field — the lowest shooting percentage any Cavaliers opponent has posted this season. To add insult to injury, Golden State, which ranks fourth in the NBA with an average of 15.0 three-pointers per game, was limited to just 9-for-38 (23.7%) shooting from long range, a performance that marked the third-lowest three-point shooting percentage for any Cleveland opponent this year.
The Cavaliers’ defense was the story of the game, as they successfully neutralized the Warriors’ most dangerous weapons. Golden State’s superstar, Stephen Curry, was unable to find his usual rhythm. The team as a whole looked out of sync, with limited offensive production in key areas. Cleveland’s aggressive defensive rotations, coupled with excellent individual performances, stifled Golden State’s attempts to get into a flow.
The Cavaliers’ ability to shut down the Warriors’ outside shooting, in particular, was a standout moment in the game. Golden State’s reliance on three-point shooting is a significant aspect of their offensive identity, and Cleveland exploited that weakness, forcing them into tough shots. The Wine and Gold made life difficult for the Warriors at every turn, refusing to let them establish a comfortable offensive rhythm.
Cavaliers’ Offensive Efficiency
On the offensive side of the ball, Cleveland displayed remarkable efficiency, particularly in the second and third quarters. After a closely contested first quarter, which ended with the Cavaliers leading by just two points, Cleveland exploded in the second period. They outscored the Warriors 20-11 in the quarter, holding Golden State to a meager 4-for-24 shooting from the field (16.7%), including an abysmal 0-for-8 from beyond the arc. That stretch of poor shooting by the Warriors was a decisive factor, as Cleveland built a 46-38 lead at halftime.
However, it was the third quarter that truly put the game out of reach for Golden State. The Cavaliers erupted offensively, led by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 15 points in the period alone. Mitchell’s three consecutive three-pointers early in the quarter helped extend Cleveland’s lead to 55-41, and he finished the period shooting an incredible 5-for-7 (71.4%) from deep. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 14-for-23 (60.9%) from the field and 8-for-14 (57.1%) from three-point range in the third quarter. This offensive explosion allowed Cleveland to build a commanding lead that reached as high as 26 points by the end of the period.
Cleveland’s offensive success was not limited to Mitchell. Darius Garland also played a key role in the win, recording game-highs of 25 points and eight assists. Garland’s ability to run the offense, score efficiently, and create opportunities for his teammates was a key factor in the Cavaliers’ offensive efficiency. Additionally, Dean Wade added a significant contribution, tallying his third career double-double with 10 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Wade’s rebounding and hustle on both ends of the court were critical in securing Cleveland’s control of the game, helping them maintain a dominant presence throughout.
Cavaliers’ Balanced Attack
What stood out in the Cavaliers’ win was the overall balance and depth they displayed. While Mitchell and Garland were the focal points of the offense, Cleveland had multiple players contributing at key moments. Wade’s double-double was just one example of how the Cavaliers’ role players stepped up in a big way. Cleveland has demonstrated that it is not just a two-man show but a well-rounded team capable of competing against the best in the league.
In addition to the strong performances from their stars, the Cavaliers’ bench also played an important role in the victory. Cleveland’s depth has been a key factor in their success this season, and players off the bench provided valuable minutes and energy to help sustain the team’s momentum. Whether it was through timely scoring, solid defense, or hustle plays, the Cavaliers’ second unit contributed to the team’s overall success on Monday night.
Cleveland’s ability to play with such a balanced attack, with multiple players stepping up at different times, will be crucial as the season progresses. While the team is led by Mitchell and Garland, they have shown that they can rely on others to make an impact, which bodes well for their long-term prospects.
Looking Ahead: Cavaliers’ Road Trip Continues
With the win over Golden State, the Cavaliers improved to 2-0 in their current four-game road trip. Up next, they will take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, December 31, at 9 p.m. This game will be another tough test for Cleveland, as the Lakers have been playing much better in recent weeks and are always a formidable opponent, especially when LeBron James is on the court. However, after the way they dominated the Warriors, the Cavaliers will be entering the matchup with plenty of confidence.
For Cleveland, the goal is clear: continue to build momentum and stay in the hunt for a top playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference. If they can maintain their strong defensive play and continue getting contributions from a variety of players, they could be a tough out for any team in the postseason.
The Cavaliers’ win over Golden State was another example of their growth as a team, as they continue to mature and find their identity. With Mitchell and Garland leading the way and role players like Wade stepping up, Cleveland is becoming a team that can compete with anyone. Their defense has been one of the best in the league, and if their offense continues to click, the Cavaliers could be poised for a deep playoff run.
