If you were looking for a scoring clinic when the Cavs and Warriors met up recently, you basically got exactly what you expected, but maybe not from the names you’d assume. The Cleveland Cavaliers golden state warriors score of 99-94 in their most recent clash on December 6, 2025, tells a story of a rivalry that has shifted from the "superteam" era into a gritty, defensive chess match.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much has changed. We aren't in 2016 anymore. There's no LeBron. Klay Thompson is elsewhere. But the tension? It’s still there. You can feel it in the building.
The Warriors managed to grind out a five-point victory in Cleveland, but the way they did it was sort of a shocker. Stephen Curry didn't lead the way. Instead, it was Pat Spencer, a name most casual fans might have to Google, who dropped a career-high 19 points in his first-ever NBA start.
The Gritty Details: Breaking Down the 99-94 Final
The game started off like a total disaster for Golden State. They shot a miserable 4-of-23 in the first quarter. That’s ugly. You've seen better shooting at a local YMCA on a Tuesday morning. They trailed 18-12 early, and for a minute, it looked like Cleveland was going to run away with it at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
But then the second quarter happened.
The Warriors went on a 27-8 run. They just stopped missing. They were 8-of-10 from the field during that stretch, including five triples. It was like they flipped a switch. Cleveland, on the other hand, hit a wall, shooting a painful 3-of-27 in that same span.
Why the Cavaliers Fell Short
Cleveland's shooting was, frankly, abysmal. They finished with a season-low 34.6% from the field.
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- Donovan Mitchell did his best, putting up 29 points and raining down seven 3-pointers.
- Evan Mobley fought for 18 points.
- Darius Garland chipped in 17, but the team just couldn't find a rhythm.
They shot 10-of-42 from deep. That’s 23.8%. You aren't winning many NBA games in 2026 with those numbers. Still, they almost pulled it off. A late 15-5 run in the fourth quarter got them within two points with just 11 seconds left. Mitchell had a look for a fadeaway three to potentially steal it, but it didn't go. Pat Spencer iced it at the free-throw line.
Looking Back: That 136-117 Blowout
If you want to see how volatile this matchup is, just look back to November 8, 2024. The cleveland cavaliers golden state warriors score that night was a total 180-degree turn. Cleveland absolutely destroyed them 136-117.
The Cavs scored 83 points in the first half alone. 83! It was a franchise-best 10-0 start for Cleveland back then. Darius Garland had 27, and the Cavs hit 20 three-pointers. It felt like the Warriors were standing still.
It’s funny how the NBA works. One year you’re dropping 136 and looking like world-beaters, and the next, you’re struggling to break 90 in a defensive slog.
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Where They Stand Right Now in 2026
As of January 17, 2026, both teams are fighting for positioning in their respective conferences. The standings are tight.
- Golden State Warriors: They sit at 23-19, holding onto the 8th spot in the West. They’re 12 games back from the top-seeded Thunder.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: They are 24-19, currently 6th in the East. They are neck-and-neck with the Orlando Magic and Philly.
The rivalry has evolved. It’s no longer about who has the most Hall of Famers on the floor at once. It’s about depth. The Warriors are leaning on guys like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Gui Santos. The Cavs are building around the Mitchell-Garland-Mobley trio.
The Statistical Reality
The all-time series between these two is 83-63 in favor of the Warriors. That includes a 15-7 postseason record for Golden State. We all remember the four straight Finals appearances from 2015 to 2018. That’s the peak of basketball for a lot of us.
But if you’re looking at the current version of this matchup, it’s much more balanced. They only play twice a year now. Every game feels like a mini-playoff battle because of that history.
What to Watch for Next
The next time these two face off is April 2, 2026. Mark your calendar.
If you're betting or just following closely, keep an eye on the injury reports. In the December game, the Warriors were without Steph Curry and Draymond Green. The fact they won without their anchors says a lot about Steve Kerr’s system. For Cleveland, they need to figure out how to stay consistent when the shots aren't falling. Relying purely on Donovan Mitchell's heroics works sometimes, but against a disciplined Golden State defense, it's a gamble.
Practical Takeaways for the Rematch:
- Watch the Three-Point Line: In the 136-117 win, Cleveland dominated the arc. In the 99-94 loss, they died by it.
- The Bench Factor: The "new" Warriors rely heavily on their second unit. If Cleveland’s bench doesn't show up, it’s a long night.
- Home Court Matters: Both teams have been significantly better in their own arenas in this series over the last two seasons.
To get the most out of the next game, track the pace. The Warriors want to run, but the Cavs are at their best when Mobley and Jarrett Allen can set the tone in a half-court set. Whoever dictates the speed usually walks away with the win. Keep an eye on the official NBA box scores as the April date approaches to see if the stars are actually suited up this time around.