Key Takeaways:
- Donovan Mitchell tallied 29 points and nine assists as Cleveland defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 124-89
- Darius Garland and James Harden, recently swapped in a major All-Star trade between the teams, did not feature for their new sides
- The Cavaliers have now won seven of their last eight games, while the Clippers suffered consecutive defeats for the first time since December
Match Overview
Donovan Mitchell delivered an impressive showing with 29 points and nine assists to propel the Cleveland Cavaliers to a comprehensive 124-89 win against the Los Angeles Clippers, just hours after a high-profile trade involving All-Stars Darius Garland and James Harden. The blockbuster deal, which saw the Cavaliers send Garland to the Clippers and receive Harden in return, was still fresh, but neither player took part for their new teams.
LA W.
📊 HIGHLIGHTS & STATS: https://t.co/dapkYeXAKw pic.twitter.com/RkZdolQeXw
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 5, 2026
Cleveland’s All-Round Display
Jaylon Tyson added vital support with 17 points for Cleveland, while Jarrett Allen contributed a double-double, recording 10 points and 11 rebounds. Dennis Schroder, recently acquired from Sacramento in a three-team trade, made his Cavaliers debut with 11 points, and fellow newcomer Keon Ellis registered six points in his first outing for the team.
Clippers Struggle Without Harden and Zubac
The Clippers, who have enjoyed a strong run of form since December, were unable to keep pace. Kawhi Leonard managed 25 points and John Collins chipped in with 19, but the absence of both James Harden and starting centre Ivica Zubac – the latter missing the game due to the birth of his child – was keenly felt. The team also saw rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser deliver a promising performance, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds. Derrick Jones Jr. made his return for Los Angeles following a month-long layoff with a knee injury, scoring seven points.
Statistical Breakdown
| Team | Points | FG% | 3P Made/Attempted (%) | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 124 | 51% | 16/41 (39%) | 9 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 89 | 46.3% | 6/28 (21.4%) | 24 |
The Cavaliers registered an efficient shooting night, going 51.0% from the field and converting 16 out of 41 shots (39.0%) from three-point range. In contrast, the Clippers connected on just 21.4% (6 of 28) of their attempts from beyond the arc and committed 24 turnovers, which the Cavaliers exploited for 47 points.
Game Progression and Momentum
Cleveland established dominance early, opening up a 20-point advantage late in the first quarter. Although the Clippers trimmed the deficit to 46-38 midway through the second quarter, the Cavaliers responded strongly to carry a 62-42 lead into halftime. From there, Cleveland maintained control, holding a lead of at least 20 throughout much of the third quarter and extending the margin to 35 in the fourth.
Looking Ahead
- Cavaliers: Set to visit Sacramento on Saturday
- Clippers: Scheduled to play in Sacramento on Friday
