Key Takeaways:
- Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 25 points and six rebounds
- Golden State missed Stephen Curry for the 27th consecutive game but anticipate his return as early as Sunday
- Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos both tallied 25 points for the Warriors in the home defeat
Game Overview
The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive form on Thursday night, securing a 118-111 victory over the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Donovan Mitchell delivered another standout performance, posting 25 points and six rebounds. Max Strus added critical support, finishing with 24 points, including a vital three-pointer with just 54 seconds remaining that helped secure the result for the visitors.
🔒PLAYOFFS. CLINCHED.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially clinched a 2026 NBA Playoffs berth. See you the post-season, Cavs fans!@Redfin | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/YTFXnBYl3U
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 3, 2026
Cleveland’s Winning March
James Harden tallied 19 points and contributed five assists, aiding Cleveland to its seventh win in nine outings during an intense run featuring five games in eight nights. The Cavaliers tightened their grip down the stretch, with Strus’ late long-range effort proving decisive as the Warriors attempted to mount a comeback.
Warriors’ Efforts and Curry’s Impending Return
Golden State found themselves without Stephen Curry for a 27th straight contest, yet both Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos rose to the occasion, each scoring 25 points. The Warriors, however, could be bolstered soon, as Curry has participated in 5-on-5 scrimmages for three consecutive days to test his injured right knee. Head coach Steve Kerr indicated that Curry and Vice President of Player Health and Performance Rick Celebrini may determine as early as Friday whether the star guard can return for their upcoming match against the Houston Rockets.
Physical Play and Player Highlights
The encounter featured heightened physicality late in the game. With 9:28 left, Cleveland’s Dennis Schroder committed a hard foul on LJ Cryer, which was subsequently upgraded to a Flagrant 1 after review due to Schroder’s leap and kick. The aftermath saw Draymond Green assessed a technical foul for shoving Schroder while assisting Cryer, followed by technicals issued to Schroder and Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson seven seconds later.
The Warriors received a boost from Kristaps Porzingis, who contributed 16 points and seven rebounds upon his return following a game’s absence. Gary Payton II also returned, matching his career high with 12 rebounds after sitting out the previous game to rest his right knee. Santos and De’Anthony Melton were also back in action, with Melton overcoming a sprained left thumb and Santos recovering from a pelvic bone issue.
Notable Statistics
During the match, Draymond Green moved past Larry Smith (6,440) to claim third place on the Warriors’ all-time rebounding leaderboard.
| Team | Top Scorers | Key Stats | Next Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Donovan Mitchell (25), Max Strus (24), James Harden (19) | Mitchell: 6 rebounds; Harden: 5 assists | Indiana (Home, Sunday) |
| Golden State Warriors | Gui Santos (25), Brandin Podziemski (25), Kristaps Porzingis (16) | Payton II: 12 rebounds (career high); Green: Passed 6,440 career rebounds | Houston (Home, Sunday) |
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers will next host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, aiming to extend their fine run. Meanwhile, Golden State will welcome the Houston Rockets that same night, with all eyes on the potential return of Stephen Curry to the Warriors’ line-up.
