Dribbles: Cavs fend off Warriors with right plays at end, clinch playoff spot

April 3, 2026

Random dribbles following the Cavaliers’ 118-111 road win over the Warriors.

1. The Cavs, again, woke up and played with some real energy and efficiency when it mattered.

2. That’s kind of been the story against some of these lackluster opponents these days.

3. Impressive? Well, only at the end. But in the Cavs’ defense, that’s when it counts.

4. Five games left. I’d don’t love the Cavs’ full body of work lately. That said, they’ve won seven of nine. So the results have been just fine, for the most part.

5. Max Strus was particularly vital at the end, knocking down threes and just making winning plays. The Cavs had Sam Merrill and Keon Ellis available — but it was Strus who got the start alongside Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. He delivered.

6. The game went back and forth probably more than it should have. The Cavs (48-29) had a healthy Core Four. The Warriors (36-41) were incredibly depleted. But a win is a win, forever and ever amen.

7. The difference? “Made shots and got stops, that’s the moral of the story,” Strus told FanDuel Sports Network.

8. But he also understands that some work remains. “Gotta figure out a way to get better on defense. That’s the key,” he said. “Can’t play with the game. … You gotta treat the game right.”

9. He’s probably referring to the 15 turnovers and the Cavs’ lack of overall flow. Golden State had something to do with that. But so did the Cavs’ carelessness.

10. Listen, I’m not trying to be the Old Man Who Yells at Clouds here. All that matters is what the Cavs do in a week or two, once the real thing begins. I just expect them to win these games in semi-blowout fashion. Doesn’t mean I’m right. Every win, no matter how small, sure beats the alternative.

11. And yes, the Cavs officially secured a spot in the playoffs, as expected. At long last. They’ve now made it four straight years.

12. Remember when they were 17-16 and the sky was falling? “Makes you appreciate it a little more,” coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters.

13. More Atkinson: “Never understimate making the playoffs in the NBA. … It’s hard to be in that group. Obviously, we want more.”

14. Mitchell led the way with 25 points, as all five starters hit double figures. Strus finished with 24 on 9-of-14 shooting, Harden scored 19, including a crucial runner over Kristaps Porxingis near the end. Jarrett Allen had another nifty night with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Evan Mobley recorded 12 and 10, respectively.

15. In reserve, Dennis Schroder put forth one of his finer outings with the Cavs, contributing 12 points, at least one hard foul and a techincal. Hey, nothing wrong with a little edginess. That’s why he’s here.

16. Things did get a little rocky in the fourth — usually about the same time you thought the Cavs might put it away. At times, it seemed like the wheels might come completely off. But they steadied themselves and finished the job.

17. Atkinson on that very subject: “James and Donovan were our compass. They settled us down. We got a few stops. The big were rebounding. We made the right plays when it got close.”

18. Gui Santos and Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 25 apiece. Yes, Golden State is still dragging Draymond Green out there. Why, I have no idea, but a lot of opponents are glad they do. He’s … not good.

19. The Cavs finished their final West trip at 2-1. They host the Pacers on Easter Sunday. Then visit the Grizzlies. Then host the Hawks. Then visit the Hawks. Then host the woeful Wizards to conclude the regular season. Home. Road. Home. Road. Home.

20. They don’t have to prove anything at all in these next five games. Just get to the postseason as healthy as possible and turn it up a notch (or three) once you get there.