Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell proves to be way too much for Clippers

CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell did the heavy lifting again and the Cavaliers handled the visiting Clippers 120-105 on Sunday night.

The game tightened in the third quarter, then Mitchell took over and never gave it back. He finished with 37 points, eight rebounds and six assists while hitting five threes.

When the Clippers cut a 13-point lead to one, Mitchell answered with a string of plays that blew the game open.

Two straight three-point plays, a deep three, a pair of assists. All in about three minutes. The Cavs closed the quarter on a 15-3 burst and never looked stressed again.

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Evan Mobley added 18 points and 10 boards. De’Andre Hunter scored 17.

The Cavs (12-6) went 4-2 on their six game homestand despite missing several regulars. Jarrett Allen, Lonzo Ball, Sam Merrill and Craig Porter Jr. were all out.

Cleveland has already used 10 different starting lineups.

Ivica Zubac was a load for Los Angeles (5-12) with 33 points and 18 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard returned from his ankle sprain and scored 20.

James Harden came in after dropping 55 on Charlotte but missed all eight of his threes and finished with 19.

Chris Paul entered to a warm ovation after announcing his retirement over the weekend. He handed out five assists in 17 minutes.