NBA Recap: Cavaliers Secure 60th Win, Warriors and Timberwolves Boost Playoff Hopes

The Cleveland Cavaliers reached a milestone 60th win this season, led by Donovan Mitchell's standout performance in a 127-122 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their 60th win of the NBA season, a 127-122 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Mitchell finished with an impressive 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, earning praise from Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, who described it as his best performance of the season.

The Cavaliers' victory marked a significant milestone, as they reached 60 wins in a season for the first time since the 2009-2010 campaign and for only the third time in franchise history. This achievement has substantial implications, as Cleveland now holds a 4.5-game lead over NBA champions Boston in the race for the No. 1 seeding in the Eastern Conference playoffs, with just seven regular season fixtures remaining.

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged that reaching 60 wins exceeded his expectations at the start of the campaign, especially after a 48-win season in 2023-2024. “I didn't expect 60 wins,” Atkinson admitted. “My internal goal was 'Can we improve from last year?' That was kind of where my mind was.”

MVP NUMBERS. 🕷️ #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/FndlEyITHH

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 31, 2025

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson expressed his pride and admiration for his team's achievement, emphasizing that reaching 60 wins is a significant milestone. “But for this team to take it to another level and kind of shatter that, says a lot. And we're not done - we can still add to that.” He also stressed the importance of celebrating this accomplishment, even if it's not the ultimate goal.

Atkinson acknowledged that winning 60 games is an exceptional feat in the NBA. “But we've got to celebrate this. It's not the end goal, but we should take a deep breath and celebrate 60 wins.” He added, “It's so hard to do in this league. I'm really happy for the guys today.”

The Cavaliers' victory was a team effort, with Jarrett Allen contributing 25 points, Evan Mobley adding 22, and Darius Garland scoring 19. However, Atkinson singled out Donovan Mitchell for special praise, highlighting his impressive all-around performance. “He's at that kind of maturity and mental level where he can manipulate the game how he wants it,” Atkinson said of the 28-year-old six-time NBA All-Star. “I would argue that this was probably his best all-around game all year.”

The Los Angeles Clippers' recent loss has dropped them to eighth place in the Western Conference, where they're engaged in a fierce battle with the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves for a guaranteed playoff spot. The Clippers currently hold a 42-32 record, narrowly trailing the Warriors and Timberwolves, who both secured victories on Sunday.

The Western Conference playoff picture is clear: the top six teams earn automatic berths, while teams ranked seventh to 10th compete in a mini-tournament to determine the final two playoff spots. The Clippers' defeat has intensified the competition, making every remaining game crucial in their quest for a playoff spot.

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The Golden State Warriors strengthened their bid for an automatic playoff berth with a resounding 148-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Texas, maintaining their sixth-place standing in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 123-104 win over the Detroit Pistons, despite a tumultuous second quarter that saw seven players and two coaches, including Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, ejected from the game.

Another W for the Dubs 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/y69y9FUX97

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 31, 2025

The Phoenix Suns' playoff aspirations suffered a setback with a 148-109 loss to the Houston Rockets, compounded by the injury of superstar Kevin Durant, who rolled his left ankle in the third quarter. Durant's injury occurred when he stepped on the foot of Houston's Jabari Smith Jr. while driving to the basket, causing him to drop to the court in pain. He was assisted to the sideline and did not return to the game. The Rockets, who were already leading 92-57 at the time of Durant's injury, were unfazed by the ejection of Dillon Brooks in the second quarter after he fouled Durant and then berated a game official. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 33 points, while eight of his teammates scored in double figures. Devin Booker topped the Suns with 28 points.

In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks dominated the Milwaukee Bucks 145-124, improving their record to 36-38. Zaccharie Risacher led the Hawks with a game-high 36 points. At Madison Square Garden, the third-placed New York Knicks outlasted the Portland Trail Blazers 110-93.