Cavs outlast shorthanded Warriors 118-111 for ugly win

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 2: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 2, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images It wasn’t pretty, but the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to execute well enough late to defeat an undermanned Golden State Warriors team 118-111 to cap off their three-game road trip.

This was a messy game for both sides. The Warriors were playing without several star players, including Steph Curry, and were also on the second night of a back-to-back. The Cavs have struggled with their lack of size this road trip, with the injuries to Dean Wade (ankle) and Jaylon Tyson (toe).

That, combined with an inability to take care of the ball — the Cavs turned it over 15 times, leading to 23 points off turnovers for Golden State — made for an uneven performance. Cleveland controlled the game throughout most of the first three quarters. They pushed their lead to 13 late in the second quarter and had a 12-point advantage midway through the third.

Any momentum the Cavs had stalled out in the fourth quarter. The defense struggled to get stops in the final quarter and was also on the wrong end of a few calls. In one defensive possession, the Cavs were assessed a flagrant foul and two technicals.