Cavaliers Hold Off Warriors 118-111 Behind Mitchell's 25 Points

Max Strus hits key 3-pointer late as Cavs win 7th in 9 games

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:36am by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp planes of color representing the players and court.A cubist interpretation of the intense on-court action as the Cavaliers and Warriors battled for a crucial late-season victory.San Francisco Today

Donovan Mitchell scored 25 points and Max Strus hit a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors 118-111 on Thursday night. James Harden added 19 points and 5 assists for the Cavaliers, who won for the 7th time in their last 9 games. Gui Santos and Brandin Podziemski each scored 25 points for the Warriors, who were without injured star Stephen Curry for the 27th straight game.

Why it matters

This game featured a matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences, with the Cavaliers continuing their strong play and the Warriors still searching for consistency without their injured superstar Curry.

The details

The Cavaliers led for much of the game, but the Warriors made a late push to keep it close. With the score 115-111 and under a minute left, Max Strus hit a 3-pointer to help seal the win for Cleveland. The game featured some physical play, with a Flagrant 1 foul called on the Cavaliers' Dennis Schroder and technical fouls called on both teams.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • Curry has been out since January 30th and could return as soon as Sunday.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

A star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who scored 25 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the win.

Max Strus

A key reserve for the Cavaliers who hit a crucial 3-pointer late to help secure the victory.

James Harden

A veteran guard for the Cavaliers who contributed 19 points and 5 assists.

Gui Santos

A young guard for the Warriors who scored 25 points in the loss.

Brandin Podziemski

Another Warriors guard who also scored 25 points in the defeat.

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What they’re saying

“Curry and Vice President of Player Health and Performance Rick Celebrini might decide as soon as Friday based on how Curry feels a day later whether he can return to face the Rockets.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach

What’s next

The Cavaliers will host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, while the Warriors will host the Houston Rockets, also on Sunday. The focus will be on whether Stephen Curry is able to return for the Warriors in that game against the Rockets.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Cavaliers' continued strong play this season as they battle for position in the Eastern Conference, while the Warriors are still trying to find their footing without their superstar Curry. The potential return of Curry could provide a big boost for Golden State as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the West.