Darius Garland delivered a stunning performance to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their 15th consecutive win with a thrilling 109-104 comeback victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons secured a dominant 123-103 win over the Washington Wizards, and the Indiana Pacers pulled off a jaw-dropping last-second victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak with Stunning Comeback
The Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves in deep trouble after falling behind by 18 points in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets. However, with Donovan Mitchell rested for the game, Darius Garland stepped up in spectacular fashion, scoring 30 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, to power the Cavaliers to victory.
The game took a dramatic turn late in the third quarter when Craig Porter Jr. hit a miraculous 49-foot three-pointer at the buzzer, cutting Brooklyn’s lead to 86-78. That momentum carried into the final period, where Garland put on a clinic, sinking clutch baskets to fuel Cleveland’s comeback.
Following the game, Garland acknowledged the team’s fighting spirit but admitted he would prefer an easier route to victory.
“I’m sick and tired of comebacks,” Garland said with a smile. “But we play hard for 48 minutes. We weren’t shooting the ball well, so our defense took a stand. We stick together through the good times and the bad times, and in the fourth quarter, that’s when we put our hard hats on and go to work.”
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson had nothing but praise for Garland’s game-changing display.
“He’s the clutch player of the year,” Atkinson said. “He just does it for us in the fourth quarter. He’s been delivering all season long.”
Jarrett Allen contributed a strong all-around performance with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, while Evan Mobley added 21 points. The win extends Cleveland’s Eastern Conference-leading record to 55-10.
For Brooklyn, Cam Thomas led the scoring with 27 points, while Cameron Johnson chipped in 17. The Nets, fresh off a surprising win over the Lakers, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short, dropping to 22-43 on the season.
“I’m proud of the guys because the first half was impressive,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “I just wish we would have been rewarded with a win.”
Cunningham Shines as Pistons Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Cade Cunningham played a pivotal role in the Detroit Pistons’ convincing 123-103 win over the Washington Wizards. Cunningham scored 27 points, leading the Pistons to their 37th win of the season and keeping them firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Detroit currently sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Indiana Pacers, who pulled off one of the most dramatic wins of the season against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Pacers Stun Bucks with Haliburton’s Last-Second Heroics
In one of the most electrifying finishes of the season, the Indiana Pacers edged the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114, thanks to a last-second four-point play by Tyrese Haliburton.
The game, which featured 21 lead changes, appeared to be in Milwaukee’s hands when Damian Lillard drained two free throws with four seconds remaining to give the Bucks a 114-111 lead.
However, Haliburton delivered a magical moment, hitting a running three-pointer while drawing a foul from Giannis Antetokounmpo. He calmly sank the free throw, sealing a stunning victory for the Pacers.
TYRESE HALIBURTON OH MY GOODNESS!!!!
FADING TRIPLE TO TIE IT AND THE FOUL
Get to TNT for the final seconds of Bucks/Pacers! pic.twitter.com/o3Pr7qFRw9
— NBA (@NBA) March 12, 2025
With the win, Indiana improved to 36-28, matching the Bucks’ record and intensifying the battle for playoff positioning in the East.
Pelicans End Clippers’ Winning Streak
In another key matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans snapped the Los Angeles Clippers’ three-game winning streak with a 127-120 victory. The Pelicans controlled the tempo throughout the game, securing an important win as they continue their push for a higher playoff seed.
Looking Ahead
With the NBA regular season entering its final stretch, the race for playoff spots in both conferences is heating up. The Cavaliers continue to dominate the East, while the Pistons and Pacers are pushing hard for higher seeds. Meanwhile, the Bucks will be eager to bounce back after their heart-wrenching loss to Indiana.
As teams battle for postseason positioning, expect more thrilling matchups, last-second heroics, and momentum-shifting performances in the weeks to come.
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