RSS Cavs Team Notes

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

10 Takeaways from Cavs 130-111 win over Trail Blazers: Jarrett Allen couldn’t be stoped

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up their sixth win in their last seven games thanks to a 40-ball from Jarrett Allen that helped lead them past the Portland Trail Blazers 130-111.

Allen is incredibly skilled offensively. His footwork, touch around the rim, quickness, and passing are advanced for someone at his position. That was on display as he ran around, over, and through Portland’s hapless center, Donovan Clingan, all evening.

The 40-point performance is what’s going to get the headlines, but the variety of ways Allen was able to score is what was most impressive.

He was a force in transition, beating his man down the floor. This created easy baskets if the defense forgot about him, and also allowed him to get smaller defenders caught in deep seals. This created driving lanes for others, as there are very few things that disrupt a defense as much as a mismatch right at the start of a possession.

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Allen also consistently made the right move out of dribble-hand-offs. If his defender gave him room, Allen created space for the guard. If the center came up, Allen went around him for the drive to the hoop.

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Then, there was the pick-and-roll game. He found ways to finish and create space for the ball handler in those situations. The vertical spacing he provides is incredibly valuable when the team is down two of its top scorers.

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And lastly, Allen just did a good job of scoring on the block. He displayed his post moves, using up-and-unders and hook shots, to create angles inside.

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Overall, it was just a completely dominant offensive showing from Allen, who did all of this in under 30 minutes and registered five assists as well.

As if the 40-ball wasn’t enough, Allen was also the best defender on the court. He completely controlled the glass with 17 rebounds, had four rejections, and added two steals just for fun. His defensive effort buoyed the Cavs on a night they started a little helter-skelter on that end.

Allen put up one of the most ridiculous stat lines in NBA history. I’m generally not a fan of cherry-picked stats, but you can tell if one is good based on the company of the other people in the club. And if you’re a center, you want to be in any group that features Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal.

The only @NBA players EVER to record 40+ PTS, 17+ REB, 5+ AST, 4+ BLK and 2+ STL in a game:

JARRETT ALLEN (TONIGHT at POR)***
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12/13/75 at PHX)
Joe Barry Carroll (2/1/87 vs. NJN)
Shaquille O'Neal (3/23/01 vs. WAS)
Joel Embiid (2/19/21 vs. CHI)#LetEmKnow

— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) February 2, 2026

Games like this show how good Allen is, but also why his typical inconsistent play can be so infuriating. It’s fair to point out that Portland isn’t exactly built to stop Allen. Their defense wasn’t disciplined, which allowed someone who was steadily and consistently executing to have a big night. But that doesn’t account for all of Allen’s success.

We’ve consistently seen that Allen is at his best when Evan Mobley is unavailable. Allen’s most impressive stretch of basketball as a Cavalier came in the 2023-24 season with Mobley out of the lineup. And now, we’re seeing that again in a similar situation.

This would be explainable if it were simply that Allen’s offensive game doesn’t mesh with Mobley’s. And while it’s true that Allen now has much more room to operate offensively, he also plays just over half of his minutes each game with Mobley when both are available. The duo is playing an average of 15.4 minutes a night together. Overall, Allen is averaging 27.1 minutes per game.

If it were simply a spacing issue, we should see some version of this Allen when Mobley is on the bench. However, the difference is more so in how Allen seems to approach the game when he’s the only center.

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Allen plays with much more force and aggression when Mobley is unavailable. His skill set requires him to play that way to be effective. A center coasting through games isn’t going to have the necessary impact on either end of the floor. Their presence needs to be felt at all times if they’re mostly a paint-bound big.

I’m not sure how you get around this issue. Force-feeding Allen early in games would help. It’s certainly something the team should be prioritizing. But it’s also true that Allen’s effort shouldn’t be dependent on who’s in or out of the lineup. He’s far too good a player to have his energy fluctuate so dramatically on a night-to-night basis.

Ultimately, that’s only something Allen can fix.

Sam Merrill’s shooting can open up the game for everyone else. He went 6-8 from beyond the arc. This went a long way in Cleveland, finishing the game going 16-34 (47.1%) from three.

The havoc Merrill causes when he shoots this well is incredibly helpful for an offense. Defenders were closing out incredibly hard every time Merrill came off a screen. This led to him having four assists and helped open up lanes inside for his teammates.

It’s no surprise the Cavs had a 141.3 offensive rating when Merrill was on the floor. That number tied Allen for the highest mark on the team. Merrill playing this well simply unlocks the entire offensive attack.

Craig Porter Jr. continues to have an impact as a facilitator. He didn’t look to score, but was able to get his teammates involved by picking up a career-high 12 assists.

Porter’s feel for the game was on complete display. He did a great job of finding the open man by making the simple, correct pass time after time. This included hitting Allen in the pick-and-roll, Jaylon Tyson in the short roll, and Merrill coming off screens.

The Cavs needed someone to provide extra playmaking duties while they wait for Dennis Schroder to join them for Wednesday’s game. Porter more than stepped up on Sunday.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-a...cleveland-cavaliers-jarrett-allen-sam-merrill

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

The pros and cons of the Cavs potentially trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 02, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hello, everyone. The NBA trade deadline is days away. That means we’re going to be covering every rumor, no matter how obscure, for the rest of the week.

Today, I want to unpack the pros and cons of the Cleveland Cavaliers hypothetically trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

If you’re wondering how or if this type of move is possible, I’d suggest reading Jackson’s breakdown from yesterday. To cut to the chase, here are the three deals he included:

Offer 1

• Cavs trade: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, 2030 first-round pick swap, ‘31 first-round pick, ‘32 first-round pick swap
• Bucks trade: Antetokounmpo

Offer 2

• Cavs trade: Garland, Allen, Jaylon Tyson, ‘30 first-round pick swap, ‘32 first-round pick swap
• Bucks trade: Antetokounmpo

Offer 3

• Cavs trade: Evan Mobley, Max Strus, ‘30 first-round pick swap, ‘32 first-round pick swap
• Bucks trade: Antetokounmpo

With those offers in mind, let’s get into the nuance of making a move this drastic.

Pro: Massive Talent​

The best player in the Eastern Conference would play for Cleveland. That’s pretty straightforward.

Cavs fans know better than anyone that sometimes simply having the best player on the floor is enough to win you a game, series, or even the championship. Giannis might not be as dominant as LeBron James was, but in a wide-open Eastern Conference, one could assume that all he needs is a decent supporting cast to trample his way back to the NBA Finals.

Cleveland would have a stronger supporting cast than Milwaukee, no matter which deal they go with. Antetokounmpo’s star power would either be flanked by a combination of Mitchell and Mobley—or Mitchell, Allen, and Garland. Either way, that’s a minimum of three All-Star caliber players in the starting lineup.

The rest of the rotation would still be strong, too. The Cavs would be keeping Sam Merrill (and/or Max Strus), Keon Ellis, Dean Wade, and Dennis Schroder. I’d imagine they fight tooth and nail to keep Tyson, as well. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if Tyson was considered untouchable. He’s the type of player you don’t give up so easily.

All of this to say, Cleveland gets an MVP and bona fide superstar in Antetokounmpo. A player who is capable of elevating his performance in the playoffs and meeting all their needs for size and shot creation. You can argue that Giannis is enough to make up for the loss of Allen and Garland on his own. And, he might be better currently than Mobley ever will be.

Circling back to my first point, the Cavs wouldn’t just be getting the best player in the deal; they’d be gaining the best player in the conference. That’s historically a good sign.

Con: A few Cautionary Tales​

Big swings can lead to embarrassing misses. We haven’t seen a team win a championship after making a homerun swing since the Los Angeles Lakers won with Anthony Davis in the 2020 Bubble.

Seriously, those massive “all-in” moves haven’t been paying off for anyone else.

The Oklahoma City Thunder built their championship roster from the ground up with smart drafting and small moves on the margins. The Boston Celtics did the same, tinkering with trades for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, but never selling the farm or letting go of the J’s.

The Denver Nuggets followed the same formula. They didn’t panic and trade Jamal Murray. Instead, they gave that group enough time to grow together, while making ancillary moves to improve the supporting cast until they finally broke through in 2023.

And then there’s the 2021 Bucks, who kept their group together despite multiple failures before winning the title over the Phoenix Suns. It wasn’t until the Bucks gave up on that core (maybe justifiably) that everything truly collapsed.

Now think of the teams that have taken big swings during this same stretch.

The Brooklyn Nets whiffed on their big three of Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant. The Suns would later make a similar mistake, coming up woefully short on a big three of their own.

Milwaukee, as mentioned, traded for Damian Lillard before realizing how valuable Holiday’s defense actually was. The Dallas Mavericks… well, I don’t really know what the Mavericks were thinking when they traded Luka Doncic. That one’s on them.

My point is, each of the last five champions stuck to their guns. This is true for most championship teams if you comb back through NBA history. Seismic changes rarely pay off. And, it’s even more unlikely that a massive move at the trade deadline works in your favor.

Relating this to the Cavs, they may already have the talent to win a championship. Kneecapping their future for a 31-year-old star who relies heavily on his athleticism could be a short-sighted and unnecessary move.

For example, let’s say they include Mobley and Tyson in the deal. Two young stars with loads of potential in exchange for an aging Antetokounmpo (with mounting injuries). That’s the type of move that lends itself to immense criticism a few years down the line if it doesn’t work out. A self-inflicted, franchise-altering error is something you should work hard to avoid.

Championship squads might shuffle the deck, but they don’t throw away the cards and start a brand new game. The NBA’s landscape has changed enough that being a top-heavy squad isn’t going to cut it. You need depth, continuity, and admittedly, a whole lot of luck. Cleveland would be seriously testing their luck with an overhaul at the deadline.

Conclusion:​

I can’t fault anyone who wants to trade for Antetokounmpo. Hell, I wouldn’t exactly be complaining if #34 was wearing a Cavs jersey. It’s not hard to get excited about a player of his caliber joining the roster.

The packages required for Antetokounmpo aren’t unreasonable. But they are loaded with the potential to backfire. Mobley looks like he’ll be a DPOY, All-NBA candidate for the next 10 years. Garland has been one of the league’s best floor generals when healthy. Allen just put up 40 points and 17 rebounds in 30 minutes. Does Cleveland need to give up one (or multiple) of those players for a star who could be a short-term rental (either due to health or free agency)?

It takes guts to win a championship. While I highlighted the dangers of putting all your chips in the middle, it’s still true that every title team took risks. The question is whether or not you believe the Cavs need to take that risk at this point in their timeline.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-a...eveland-cavaliers-milwaukee-bucks-evan-mobley

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Report: Cavs in advanced talks to trade for Clippers’ star James Harden

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers handles the ball against Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Intuit Dome on March 18, 2025 in Inglewood, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly in “advanced discussions” to trade for LA Clippers’ All-Star James Harden. The deal would seemingly include a swap of Harden for Darius Garland.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix broke the news, and ESPN’s Shams Charania later confirmed it. The Clippers are looking for a suitor to take Harden, and the Cavs, along with other teams, are expressing serious interest.

It’s worth noting that Harden has a no-trade clause and would need to approve of any deal the Clippers make. That adds another layer to consider. Harden would have to sign off on playing in Cleveland before the Cavs could acquire him.

Mannix also added that Cleveland is seeking additional draft compensation in the trade. This has been a holdup for LA.

Cavs have pushed for a draft pick/swap in Harden talks, sources told @SInow. Clippers have resisted. More https://t.co/XcfDBxVJNr

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 3, 2026

This is somewhat of a shock. We’ve known the Cavs are turning over every stone to find potential upgrades. But 36-year-old Harden wasn’t on many people’s radar. It feels insane on the surface to trade Garland for a player who is 10 years older than him and hasn’t proven he can get the job done in the postseason.

Granted, Garland hasn’t proven himself either, but he’ll presumably have many more chances to do so before his career is all said and done. Harden might be running out of time.

Numerous teams have convinced themselves that Harden can put them over the top. Thus far, no franchise has won that bet. I believe that Harden is better than he gets credit for in the playoffs—but I’m not eager to make the same mistake that the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Clippers have already made.

This is where I have to mention how great Harden still is on the basketball court. He’s averaging an efficient 25 points and 8 assists, all while playing 44 of LA’s 49 games this season. Harden has been more impactful and more durable than Garland this season. That’s a fact.

Also true is the age difference. It’s a bold move to hitch your wagon to a player who turns 37 this summer. The Cavs’ window won’t be open forever; we know this. But trading for a star who is closer to retirement than his prime is a risky move.

I’ll save the rest of my thoughts on this until we find out more. For now, keep your notifications on and brace for impact. Trade season is in full swing.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-n...talks-to-trade-for-clippers-star-james-harden

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

NBA insider is ‘not as convinced’ Cavs’ core four will be together after trade deadline

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Jarrett Allen #31, Darius Garland #10, Donovan Mitchell #45 and Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pose for a portrait during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Rocket Arena on September 29, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the ability to make a bigger move now than they did at this time a week ago. Trading De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings opened up avenues for them to get under the second apron more easily, which makes substantial moves easier to get done.

Cavs’ president of basketball operations, Koby Altman, admitted that was part of the motivation for Saturday’s trade. After the deal was finalized, Altman said that the move “positions us better to keep building a championship caliber team now and into the future.”

One of the things that the team seemingly hasn’t been willing to do in the past is give up one of their core four players: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. That group — based on what was said publicly — was considered mostly untouchable. That might be changing.

ESPN insider, Brian Windhorst, said Monday during a radio hit for ESPN Cleveland that he’s “not as convinced” that keeping that group together is their focus.

Windhorst stated:

“For a while now, it was very clear that they did not want to touch the core four. I think it’s probable that the core four will still be on the team on Thursday afternoon, but I think the fact that I have heard some more willingness to expand beyond that indicates that the Cavs feel a level of pressure with this roster in this season.

“I just want to be careful how I word it, because I think what’s most likely to happen is that the roster, the core, stays intact. But I’m not as convinced that that is 100% their focus as it has been in the last year and a half or so.”

“I’m not as convinced that that is 100% their focus as it has been in the last year and a half,” – @WindhorstESPN on if the Cavs will keep the Core 4 intact through the trade deadline on Thursday pic.twitter.com/SX7PmYkaim

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 2, 2026

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While it’s likely that the core will stay together, it’s notable that there is noise around it breaking up, even if it’s unlikely at this time. Presumably, any move that would shake up the core would have to put them in a better position to compete now, which is difficult to do given how little time is left in the season.

At the same time, there is pressure within the organization to succeed at all levels. This is the most expensive team in the league, and they’re expected to compete at a championship level. Despite their recent strong play, they frankly aren’t near the same level as the other top contenders in the league, and they’re running out of time to prove that they can get there.

The Cavs’ recent success is almost more damning than anything. For example, Allen has consistently played his best basketball in Cleveland when Mobley isn’t available. That showed again on Sunday when he dropped 40 points in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. You don’t want to make too much from one game, but outside of stretches last regular season, their core group specifically has been less than the sum of their parts — especially in previous playoff runs.

There’s also the tacit admission that the team’s two biggest trades in the last year were misses. The Cavs didn’t win the initial Hunter trade with the Atlanta Hawks, and were wrong to choose Lonzo Ball over either/both Isaac Okoro and Ty Jerome — even though Jerome has only played two games this season. They already moved Hunter and are looking to move Ball as well.

We’ll see if the Cavs make any moves before Thursday’s deadline. They likely won’t make a trade just for the sake of doing so. That’s not how this front office has operated. But it’s worth noticing that they could be open to making a bigger move and finally have the ability to do so.

Altman has often talked about how his team has a long runway to compete. This season, they’re starting to run out of that runway. The plane needs to start flying.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-r...nd-donovan-mitchell-jarrett-allen-evan-mobley

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

James Harden sees ‘an opportunity to win the East’ with Cavs

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 16: James Harden #1 of Team Shaq and Donovan Mitchell #45 of Team Chuck embrace after the game during the 74th NBA All-Star Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 16, 2025 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

James Harden is a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. A few hours after news of the trade became public, he spoke with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. In that conversation, he said that he didn’t ask for a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers and that he’s “excited about Cleveland.”

Just spoke to a reflective James Harden, who denied asking for a trade and thanked the Clippers for the opportunity to play the last two and a half years in his hometown. “In life, not even just basketball, when things don't work out, there are ways to end things in relationships…

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 4, 2026

Harden on his exit from Los Angeles:

“In life, not even just basketball, when things don’t work out, there are ways to end things in relationships without having to crack each other. Okay, maybe we just don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we just outgrew each other, whatever the case may be. I feel like other situations weren’t like that. And that’s why I can respect Steve and L and TLu because they didn’t put me in a weird position as much as everybody tried to make it like that.”

Harden went on to say:

“ didn’t want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital. In Cleveland I see an opportunity to win in the East— they got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. So as much as I wanted to stay in LA and give it a go—I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind I think we have a bit better chance.”

Harden concluded the conversation with:

“At the end of the day it is a business and I think both sides got what they wanted, are in a great place and are very happy. I’m excited about Cleveland —I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.”

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Harden and Donovan Mitchell have already “connected” and are “very excited” for the partnership.

Joining @SportsCenter @ Night on how 11-time All-Star James Harden lands in Cleveland to partner with Donovan Mitchell on a title pursuit: pic.twitter.com/dTMUEJtUFE

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

It’s good to get Harden’s perspective on some of this immediately after the trade. Even though the Clippers were playing well lately, it was difficult to see them as true title contenders. His exit, at least based on his statement, would suggest that the move wasn’t motivated just by money, but a desire to compete.

Harden also made clear that he thinks he can win with the Cavs. The Eastern Conference is wide open. And this might be Harden’s last, best chance to win a championship. We’ll see if he — and the Cavs — can make the most of this opportunity.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-n...cavaliers-darius-garland-los-angeles-clippers

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Koby Altman releases statement after Cavs blockbuster Darius Garland for James Harden trade

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman of the Cleveland Cavaliers is interviewed during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on September 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made their deal with the Los Angeles Clippers official. James Harden is heading to Cleveland, Darius Garland to Los Angeles.

Cavs’ president of basketball operations, Koby Altman, released a statement about the shocking trade. First, he spoke about trading for Harden:

“James Harden has cemented himself as an all-time great in this league and he adds another elite playmaker and All-NBA talent to our roster. We’re excited about the impact he will have on our group and our championship aspirations. His presence will elevate our offense, create opportunities for teammates, and bring valuable playoff experience at both ends of the floor.”

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It’s easy to see the upside with Harden, but there’s an incredible risk in trading away a home-grown former All-Star who is a decade younger in the process.

Altman said this about moving Garland:

“At the same time, we deeply appreciate what Darius Garland has meant to this franchise and the city of Cleveland. Over the past seven seasons, Darius grew into an All-Star, a leader, and the heartbeat of our team. This decision was not made lightly, as Darius consistently represented the Cavaliers and our community with grace and joy that resonated with his teammates and our fans, both at Rocket Arena and across the NBA. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has given this organization. The difficulty of this trade reflects the utmost respect we have for him, and we wish him nothing but success as he begins the next chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers.”

This trade was made with the hopes of the Cavs being better prepared for the playoffs in a wide-open Eastern Conference. We’ll see if that gamble pays off in the spring.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-n...land-cleveland-cavaliers-los-angeles-clippers

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Player Grades: Cavs at Clippers – Donovan Mitchell shines in wire-to-wire victory

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers scores against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half at Intuit Dome on February 04, 2026 in Inglewood, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Whether or not the Cleveland Cavaliers won their recent trade with the Los Angeles Clippers remains to be seen. We can, however, confirm that they won their game against them rather convincingly. They routed the Clippers 124-91.

All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. A “B” represents an average game for that player.

Donovan Mitchell​

29 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals

Mitchell brings energy nearly every night, but some games, he plays like he’s been shot out of a cannon. This was one of those outings.

That effort was coupled with just a good all-around game. Mitchell got to the basket at will, set up his teammates well, took care of the ball, and was active defensively. It was the perfect game from someone who looked reenergized by the team’s recent additions.

Grade: A

Jarrett Allen​

10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Allen didn’t dominate the scoring column like he did against the Portland Trail Blazers, but he had a noticeable impact on this game. He controlled the paint defensively and played with force on offense.

The Cavs don’t need Allen to lead them in points every night. They do, however, need him to play with energy and focus. He did so again this evening.

Grade: B+

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Jaylon Tyson​

17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Tyson has continually made the most of the touches he gets offensively. That happened again in Los Angeles as he went 7-10 from the floor, 3-3 from three, all while playing good defense.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson has called Tyson the “ultimate role player” at various points the last two seasons. Tyson has continually proven Atkinson correct, but performances like this make you wonder how good he can be if you continue to scale up his usage.

Grade: A

Sam Merrill​

11 points, 0 assists, 1 rebound

Merrill was an active off-ball mover and hit some threes. It was the exact performance you want from him, even if he didn’t make a large impact elsewhere.

Grade: B+

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Thomas Bryant​

8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks

Bryant came in, got offensive rebounds (three), blocked some shots (two), and made the most of his chances to score. He even got rewarded for a deep seal in transition, which you absolutely love to see. You’d sign up for performances like this from your third big every night.

Grade: A

Dean Wade​

5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Dean Wade did Dean Wade things.

Grade: B+

Nae’Qwan Tomlin​

4 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks

Tomlin was the one Cavalier who didn’t have an efficient scoring night. He went 1-7 from the field, but was still helpful due to his energy and effort. This was reflected in his plus/minus of +16

Grade: B–

Dennis Schröder​

11 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals

Schroder showed you the energy and straight-line attacking that he can provide. Both are things the second unit has desperately needed. Also, contributing three steals is helpful.

This was a solid debut, even if it wasn’t an efficient shooting game. He went 5-14 from the field and 1-5 from deep.

Grade: B+

Craig Porter Jr.​

7 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals

Porter being able to shift to a more off-ball role worked tonight. He played well alongside Schroder. He’ll need to keep doing that if he’s going to continue to get steady minutes once James Harden joins the team on Friday.

Grade: B+

Keon Ellis​

6 points, 0 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

Ellis was disruptive defensively. He showed what he can do on that end in the limited minutes that he played. I’m interested to see how he performs when he gets a longer runway and gets more acclimated with the team’s system.

Grade: B

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-a...clippers-cleveland-cavaliers-donovan-mitchell

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

7 ways James Harden will help the Cavs this season

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers mortgaged part of their future for a better chance at winning a title now when they sent out a 26-year-old former All-Star in Darius Garland for 36-year-old James Harden. And even though Harden has his playoff warts, he’s an upgrade over Garland and will address multiple weaknesses with the roster.

Let’s take a look at how exactly he’ll help the Cavs.

Ability to drive to the basket​

One of the Cavs’ biggest problems at the beginning of the season was a lack of drives. They didn’t have a guard who could consistently get to and score at the basket. This led to a lot of side-to-side actions and pull-up threes. As a result, Cleveland is 16th in attempts at the rim.

Harden’s presence will solve a lot of those issues.

He is ninth in the league in drives per game this season with 14.8 per game. Harden’s ability to get past his defender and either draw a shooting foul, get all the way to the basket, or find an open teammate is still elite regardless of his age.

Harden has the rare combination of strength, touch around the basket, and straight-line speed. This is coupled with an uncanny ability to stop and start on a whim to create angles for attack. The skills that have made him one of the best offensive combo guards of all time are still there.

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Harden’s rim attempts have gone down as he’s aged. The in-between runner has become much more a part of his game than it was during his peak years with the Houston Rockets. Still, he’s in the 60th percentile in shots at the rim for a point guard and in the 71st percentile for finishing at the rim (66%).

Pick-and-roll master​

The Cavs aren’t a heavy pick-and-roll team. That will undoubtedly change with Harden in the fold. And the Cavaliers have two good bigs that Harden can play off.

The pick-and-roll works so well for Harden because of his ability to read the floor and create advantages. If you try not to switch the pick-and-roll, Harden is good enough to keep his defender on his hip and get the easy layup.

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If you don’t switch and have the big drop, Harden is going to take the open three or mid-range jumper.

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The jump shot hasn’t been as deadly this season. His 34.7% three-point shooting clip is the lowest since 2021-22. This includes hitting 34.4% of his pull-up threes. That number isn’t too much lower than Donovan Mitchell’s (35.9%), but not the level you’d want it to be considering Harden takes the second-most pull-up threes per game.

More than his scoring, the ability to playmake off on-ball screens is what makes Harden so dangerous. Seeing passes and making passes are two different skills. He does both at an elite level. That doesn’t always show up in impressive, otherworldly passes. The greats are often that way because they routinely do the little things right.

If the defense helps from the corner, Harden is going to pass out to where the help comes. If the defense is going to give the roller any space, he’s not afraid to make the simple bounce pass.

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Basketball doesn’t always have to be complicated when you’re consistently executing at a high level.

Post entry passes​

People don’t necessarily think of Harden as a basketball savant, but when you watch the reads that he’s consistently making, it’s clear that he processes the game incredibly well.

Harden’s entire offensive game is based on creating and exploiting advantages. He uses that mostly as a scorer, but if he sees a mismatch elsewhere on the court, he will make sure the ball gets there as soon as possible.

One of the most difficult things about exploiting mismatches is that by the time the offensive player sees it, the defense is also reacting and trying to help if they can. One of the ways the offense can keep that advantage is to throw an entry pass that keeps the offensive player away from the trouble.

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Proficiency at handling double teams​

The Cavs have historically struggled when teams would blitz their guards. Part of that is due to both of their primary offensive engines being 6’2” or under.

Harden will help in this area. It’s risky to double-team Mitchell if Harden is on the court because of his skill as an offensive player. And if you were to double Harden, he’s more often than not going to make you pay.

Being 6’5” with good strength helps Harden not get bullied when teams blitz him. This allows him to patiently accept the double, survey where the open man is, and get the ball out.

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Also, you need to be careful when you do double to make sure he doesn’t split both defenders and score himself.

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Rebounding​

The Cavs have had trouble with rebounding, particularly from their guards. Harden fixes some of those issues.

Currently, Harden is in the 83rd percentile for defensive rebounding percentage, which translates to 4.2 defensive rebounds per game. While that isn’t earth-shattering, it is helpful.

Harden also does a good job of holding his own when he’s forced to guard small and power forwards. His strength makes him difficult to bully in the post and on the glass. This can be useful in situations where he gets a big switched onto him or if you’re in a matchup where you’d be better served with hiding Harden on an offensively weaker forward so that Evan Mobley or Dean Wade could cover an opposing guard.

Free throw merchant​

Harden gets a bad wrap, partially because no one likes the way he continually gets to the free-throw line. He’s the poster child of inventing new ways to initiate contact and bend the rules to his advantage. And while that’s annoying when he’s playing against your favorite team, there is an undeniable skill and craft that allows him to do this.

Getting to the line is something that the Cavs have struggled with for the past several years. They’re 20th in free-throw rate and haven’t been above league average the past three seasons.

Harden’s presence alone is going to help immensely. He’s in the 90th percentile in drawing shooting fouls. This translates over to a team context. This season, the Clippers were in the 95th percentile in free-throw rate when Harden was on the floor. Over his 17-year career, his team has been in the 75th percentile for free-throw rate or better when he’s playing.

The Cavs’ offense under head coach Kenny Atkinson has been powered primarily by their shooting from the field. That will change some with the boost that Harden will provide here.

One man offense​

The Cavs have gone as Mitchell has this season. When he’s on the floor, they’ve been great (+6.6 net rating) and without him, they’ve been awful (-3.3 net rating). This includes somehow being worse when Garland was on the court without Mitchell (-9.5 net rating).

Harden will help drastically in the minutes without Mitchell. He’s been a one-man offense over his entire career.

The Cavs now have two of the most productive (on a per-minute basis) offensive engines this season https://t.co/cMcX58Q5Y2 pic.twitter.com/nHTH61p0kF

— ALL NBA Podcast (@ALLCITY_NBA) February 4, 2026

One of the most consistent things in the NBA over the past decade and a half is that your offense will be good if Harden is on the court. This season, the Clippers had a 120.3 offensive rating with Harden on the floor (87th percentile). That plummets to a 109.6 offensive rating (12th percentile) without him. And if your offense is that bad, you’re going to lose those minutes.

It’s fair to wonder whether Mitchell and Harden can mesh their games when they share the floor. The Cavs aren’t going to win a championship if their new core-four players don’t play well together. If they are going to play well together, Harden will likely have to adjust his game to play at Atkinson’s pace.

Those concerns aside, you can almost certainly guarantee that the Cavs will still have a great offensive attack when Harden is on the floor without Mitchell.

The Cavs are sacrificing future stability to increase their chances of winning now. Despite his age, Harden raises the floor and ceiling of this team. He will help their offense tremendously, especially when compared to this season’s version of Garland. Whether or not that will translate over to the playoffs remains to be seen and will ultimately determine if this was a worthwhile gamble.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-v...-deadline-los-angeles-clippers-darius-garland

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs believe James Harden raises their playoff ceiling

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 16: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers before the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 16, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers believe that the Eastern Conference is wide open right now. Trading for James Harden gives them a better chance to seize that opportunity.

“We think that he raises our ceiling and gives us a chance to have real playoff success,” Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said on Thursday.

“He gives us a different look in the backcourt. He’s 6’5” and he gets downhill, and he is ninth in the league in drives. He’s strong. He’s creative. I think he’s going to be great for our bigs. I also know that Donovan [Mitchell] is excited to play alongside him. Obviously, this is not a trade that we took lightly. But we do know that James is going to help us, and so we’re excited to welcome him.”

Harden will help the Cavs in many ways. He’s still one of the best point guards in the league and is a clear upgrade over Darius Garland at this point.

“[We’re] really excited about when it gets to a chaotic time in the playoffs and we’re on the road, and there’s a fever pitch, being able to throw the ball to him and calm this thing down,” Altman said. “Let’s get a good possession, right? Let’s get a good possession when it gets really, really tight, and it’s loud in that building. We’ve gone to the playoffs the last few years largely as a young team, not a very experienced playoff team, trying to figure it out. Now I think we’re adding just a tremendous amount of experience and know-how.”

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Harden is a one-man offense that can seemingly get good shots for himself and his teammates every time down the court.

That said, those comments ignore the elephant in the room. Harden was brought in to help in the playoffs despite being known as one of the biggest postseason chokers in league history.

“We looked at it, and we studied really hard,” Altman said. “There’s some elimination games that he probably wishes he had back, probably five really bad games out of 173 playoff games. But overall, he certainly raises his level, raises our level. It’s hard being the number one option on a championship-level team. I think the good news for him is he has another number one option right next to him.”

Whether or not Harden fits next to Mitchell remains to be seen. We’ve seen Harden coexist decently well with other ball-dominant players like Chris Paul, Tyrese Maxey, and Kevin Durant. How that carries over to sharing the floor with Mitchell will determine whether this trade ultimately pays off.

What we do know is that the Cavs have a second player who can carry some of the playmaking burden in the playoffs. That has been an issue in recent postseason runs.

“When it gets really tough in the playoffs, the team takes away your play, your second counter, and we need to get the ball in Donovan’s hands, we need to get the ball in James’ hands, that we’re going to have a great possession, we’re going to have a great possession,” Altman said. “And so really that’s what we’re thinking of. And in the playoffs, I do still think it comes down to largely a half-court game when it comes down to it.”

There’s also the concern that the Cavs play a different brand of offensive basketball than Harden. Head coach Kenny Atkinson’s teams have been built around ball and player movement and attacking in transition.

Harden’s teams have been the opposite. He’s thrived in slower tempo, iso-heavy systems. The Cavs are hoping both sides can meet in the middle.

“We’re going to have to adapt to James,” Altman said. “He’s that good a player, but I think we’re going to still run. … [Playing fast is] still part of what we do. I don’t think that’s going to stop. I do know that James is a great rebounder, and so our pitch-ahead game is going to be great.”

Harden can take the Cavs to another level. How exactly that’s going to look remains to be seen. There will undoubtedly need to be some give-and-take on both sides. But there’s a reason this move was made. The skill upgrade is clear, and that will help when it matters most.

“My job at the end of the day is to bring the best talent to Cleveland and set them up for success,” Altman said. “That’s the job. And so we’re bringing one of the greatest players of all time to Cleveland, who’s still playing at an elite level. We couldn’t be more excited.”

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-n...veland-cavaliers-koby-altman-donovan-mitchell

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are rumored to be recruiting another star to Cleveland

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 07: James Harden #13 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of Team Durant speak during the first half against Team LeBron in the 70th NBA All-Star Game at State Farm Arena on March 07, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers the first time partially because he wasn’t able to recruit a co-star to Northeast Ohio. Sixteen years later, James might find himself on the other end of the equation.

Former Cavalier and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said on a recent episode of the Road Trippin’ Show that the new backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden is ready to recruit James back to Cleveland for next season.

“My sources told me that Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are ready, are starting to push to go and recruit LeBron James this offseason,” Perkins said. “My sources tell me that as soon as James Harden got on the phone, got around the team, the initial was, ‘We’re about to make this run, we’re about to go all out. We want LeBron James.’”

Kendrick Perkins says sources told him Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are already recruiting LeBron back to the Cavs pic.twitter.com/L4KdfTbZ1x

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 6, 2026

There’s certainly smoke to the rumors that LeBron could be coming back to Cleveland. Earlier on Friday, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic said on the radio that, “If (Lebron) plays anywhere next year, it’s going to be here (Cleveland).” According to reports from earlier this month, the Cavs would welcome James back as well.

Whether or not James returns next season remains to be seen. However, if what Perkins is saying is true, it’s good to see that the Cavs backcourt is bought into this team.

What we do know is that Harden wanted to come to Cleveland. He waived his partial no-trade clause to be here. And, Mitchell is excited to play with him.

We’ll see how that group pairs on the court before worrying too much about how they sell other players on joining them.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-r...cleveland-cavaliers-rumors-los-angeles-lakers

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs at Kings: How to watch, odds, and injury report

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 06: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings talks with Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Rocket Arena on April 06, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Kings defeated the Cavaliers 120-113. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to get their first look at James Harden in a Cleveland uniform on Saturday night, but we may have to wait, as he’s officially listed as questionable for this game.

We are, however, expecting a reunion of some sort. This game will be the first time De’Andre Hunter, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis face their former team. They were all part of a three-team deal that was completed just a week ago.

The Kings currently own the worst record in the league and will be on the second leg of a back-to-back.

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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (31-21) at Sacremento Kings (12-40)

Where: Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA

When: Sat., Feb. 7 at 10 PM

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass

Point spread: Cavs -11.5

Cavs injury report: James Harden – QUESTIONABLE (trade pending), Dean Wade – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League)

Kings injury report for Friday’s game vs. LA Clippers: Keegan Murray – OUT (ankle), Domantas Sabonis – OUT (back), Isaiah Stevens – OUT (G League)

Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Jarrett Allen

Kings expected starting lineup: Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, De’Andre Hunter, Maxime Raynaud

Previous matchup: The Cavs won their first matchup 123-118 in January.

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive Rating	Defensive Rating	Net Rating
Cavs	117.5 (8th)	113.9 (11th)	+3.6 (9th)
Kings	111.3 (26th)	120.9 (28th)	-9.7 (29th)

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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-i...-at-kings-how-to-watch-odds-and-injury-report

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

James Harden may not be making Cavs debut on Saturday

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers passes around Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on November 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Clippers 120-105. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have to wait a little longer for James Harden’s debut with the team. Harden was initially expected to play on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings. According to the latest injury report, he may have to wait.

Harden is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game with the reason being “trade pending.” This designation isn’t uncommon for those who were recently traded. Currently, 18 players are on the league’s injury report with the designation of “trade pending.”

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If Harden can’t go on Saturday, he would have to wait until Monday when the Cavs conclude their Western Conference road trip against the Denver Nuggets.

Reports that the Cavs traded for Harden came through on Tuesday. The official trade announcement from the team came the following day.

Harden hasn’t played since Jan. 30. He missed his last two games with the Los Angeles Clippers for personal reasons — which was due to the impending trade — and he wasn’t available for Cleveland’s first game since the trade was announced on Wednesday.

On the season, Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game on .419/.347/.901 shooting splits.

Harden isn’t the only Cavalier who may be missing Friday’s game. Dean Wade has also been added to the injury report with a left ankle sprain. He is listed as questionable for the game.

Wade is averaging 5.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on .417/.340/.750 shooting this season.

The Cavaliers will also be without the services of Evan Mobley (calf), Max Strus (foot), and Emanuel Miller (G League).

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-i...leveland-cavaliers-sacramento-kings-dean-wade

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

9 Takeaways from James Harden’s debut in Cavs 132-126 win over Kings

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden came through when it mattered most. They combined for 32 fourth-quarter points to lead Cleveland to the 132-126 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

All is well that ends well. The Mitchell and Harden pairing struggled at the start of the game. They seemingly didn’t want to step on each other’s toes, which resulted in a stagnant half-court offense that mostly involved aimlessly swinging the ball around the perimeter with little off-ball movement.

The starting lineup featuring four guards with Tyson and Sam Merrill, with Allen as the only forward, didn’t do anyone any favors. I understand why you’d want to go small to simplify things for Harden, but this led to getting beaten on the defensive glass and giving up 27 second-chance points.

The Cavs were able to get back into the game thanks to their bench lineups, and closed with Mitchell and Harden playing their best.

Cleveland took the lead late with back-to-back Harden triples, the last coming from a nice Mitchell swing from the corner to a wide-open Harden.

Both are such talented offensive pieces that bring so much attention to the ball. It’s easy to see what made pulling the trigger on this deal so alluring. The question will be how often we get to see the level of synergy we saw in the fourth quarter.

In the meantime, we know that Harden is going to make Jarrett Allen’s life easier.

There are few guards better at feeding their forwards than Harden. His size, strength, vision, and ball placement allow him to set up his big man in the perfect spot to score.

Great players make what they do well look easy. Harden did that as he repeatedly found Allen on the block and in the short roll, to set up high-percentage looks.

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“In the pick-and-roll, I feel like he found every opportunity to exploit it,” Allen said postgame. “Even if it wasn’t a pass to me, we were just creating action, creating gravity for players to bring it to us.”

Once Allen gets going, he can be difficult to handle. As we’ve seen throughout this season, Allen needs to be fed early if he’s going to have a major impact. Harden and the Cavs made it a priority to get Allen involved. He rewarded them for doing so with 29 points on 11-12 shooting with 10 rebounds.

This road trip has been a great reminder of how impactful Allen can be. He’s an incredibly good finisher in the paint (and even converted a post fadeaway) and is an underrated playmaker when he has the ball in his hands with room to operate.

Allen’s proficiency in the short roll is going to pair nicely with Harden, who once again showed how good he is when the defense doubles him.

This is one of the areas he’s going to help the offense out most. Harden requires the opposing defense to shift over to him. That will be useful when he’s sharing the floor with Mitchell and anchoring bench lineups.

Harden’s patience when the double team comes and skill to make the correct, on time, and on target pass give screeners like Allen, Tyson, and Craig Porter Jr. the ability to beat them in the short roll.

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Overall, this was a great debut from Harden, even if it wasn’t perfect.

He — understandably — looked like someone who was trying to find his place on the floor. He wasn’t assertive in the first half and struggled to find his defensive rotations.

Even when Harden got going in the fourth quarter, he seemed hesitant to drive to the paint, which resulted in his only two free-throw attempts coming once Sacramento had to foul in the final minute and no shot attempts at the rim. It’s not going to be an outstanding scoring night for Harden if he isn’t getting to the basket and the line early and often.

Still, it speaks to how talented Harden is that even when he isn’t at his best, he’s still incredibly valuable. The Cavs don’t come close to winning this game if it’s not for his scoring in the fourth and the playmaking he showed throughout.

This performance should make everyone excited about how things look when Harden gets more acclimated with his new teammates. He finished with 23 points on 7-13 shooting with eight assists and two rebounds.

Keon Ellis was everywhere defensively. He has the rare combination of being both a great individual defender, while also being able to get his hand on the ball anytime someone comes near him with it. Ellis provided three steals and a block in just 17 minutes.

That defensive effort was useful on a night when only a few of their players decided to show up on that end. It allowed Mitchell and Harden’s fourth-quarter scoring to matter as it did. This led to him being in the closing lineup and finishing the game with a plus/minus of +20.

Dennis Schroder’s production is much needed. His energy and ability to get into the paint have been sorely missed from the backup point guard position. That was on display on Saturday as he picked up seven points and four assists, while being a +22 in just 17 minutes.

The minute distribution is out of balance. Ellis and Schroder were phenomenal and fit exactly what the team needed, but neither played over 17 and a half minutes. Meanwhile, Porter saw just under 23. This isn’t a shot at Porter, but it’s difficult to see him as the superior option over either, especially on a night Mitchell and Harden are both playing.

The rotations are a work in progress. Head coach Kenny Atkinson likely wants to see as many different lineups as possible with the new additions, and it makes sense to reward Porter for how well he’s been playing recently. That said, it’s fair to point out that the lineup combinations — including the four-guard starting unit — left a lot to be desired.

This is still Mitchell’s team. Even though he was hesitant to step on toes at the start of the game, he wasn’t afraid to take over late. Mitchell scored 29 in the second half on 11-16 shooting, while being confident in taking over in crunch time.

Afterward, Harden praised Mitchell for doing so. He told sideline reporter Serena Winters that Mitchell is “the leader of the team” and that he’s just there to “support him and do whatever it takes to help.”

If this experiment is going to work, it will be because Mitchell and Harden elevate each other on the court as they did down the stretch in Sacramento.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-a...cramento-kings-donovan-mitchell-jarrett-allen

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs’ star to participate in NBA’s 2026 3-Point Contest

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of Team Chuck looks on against Team Shaq during the 74th NBA All-Star Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 16, 2025 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Cleveland Cavaliers’ star Donovan Mitchell will participate in the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest. This will be Mitchell’s third time competing in the contest, second time as a member of the Cavaliers.

Mitchell is joined in this year’s contest by Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Bobby Portis Jr, Norman Powell and surprise candidate Damian Lillard, who hasn’t played in a game yet this season but could match the all-time record of three wins.

The 3-Point Contest will be the first event of All-Star Saturday night, marking a shift from recent years. This is a weird decision, in my opinion, as the contest has arguably become the most popular event of the weekend. So, make sure you remember this change so you don’t end up missing it.

Mitchell currently leads the NBA in total three-point makes with 180 threes in 49 games. Charlotte rookie Knueppel is third with 174 makes, while Maxey is right behind him at 169. Cleveland’s franchise record for three-pointers in a season is 245, set by Mitchell in 2023.

The Cavaliers last won the contest in 2013 when Kyrie Irving took home the trophy. Mark Price won back-to-back contests in 1993 and 1994. Other notable contestants include Darius Garland and Daniel Gibson.

Cleveland’s Sam Merrill isn’t in the contest despite being one of the league’s best three-point shooting role players. Merrill implied that he prefers golfing during the All-Star break in recent years, so perhaps that’s why. Either way, it makes sense for the league’s leading sniper, Mitchell, to get the nod. But it would have been cool to see multiple Cavaliers in the event.

Mitchell is also the only Cavalier who will be playing on All-Star Sunday. He’s had a career-year in Cleveland and carried this team when they struggled early in the season.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-news/44536/cavs-star-to-participate-in-nbas-2026-3-point-contest

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs at Nuggets: How to watch, odds, and injury report

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives against Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Ball Arena on December 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers finish off their five-game Western Conference road trip as they take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

This will be a fun test for the new look Cavs. It’ll be interesting to see how James Harden attacks Jokic — who is a better rim defender than he gets credit for — in the pick-and-roll. Jokic usually doesn’t want to guard in space. We’ll see if the Cavs can exploit that.

On the other end, Jarrett Allen will have his hands full against the best player in the league and won’t have a lot of help. Evan Mobley (calf) has been ruled out for this game, and both Dean Wade (ankle) and Jaylon Tyson (ankle) are questionable to participate.

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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (32-21) at Denver Nuggets (34-19)

Where: Ball Arena – Denver, CO

When: Mon., Feb. 9 at 9 PM

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass

Point spread: Cavs -1.5

Cavs injury report: Dean Wade – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Jaylon Tyson – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League)

Nuggets injury report: Jamal Murray – QUESTIONABLE (hip), Peyton Watson – OUT (hamstring), Tamar Bates – OUT (foot), Christian Bruan – PROBABLE (ankle), Aaron Gordon – OUT (hamstring), Nikola Jokic – PROBABLE (ankle), Curtis Jones – OUT (G League), Spencer Jones – OUT (concussion)

Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Nae’Qwan Tomllin, Jarrett Allen

Nuggets expected starting lineup: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, Cameron Johnson, Nikola Jokic

Previous matchup: The Cavs defeated the Nuggets without Jokic 113-108 in January

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive Rating	Defensive Rating	Net Rating
Cavs	117.7 (7th)	114.1 (11th)	+3.6 (9th)
Nuggets	122 (1st)	118.1 (22nd)	+3.9 (8th)

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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-i...t-nuggets-how-to-watch-odds-and-injury-report

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs Roundtable: First impressions of the James Harden Era

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) walks onto the court before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

The Fear the Sword staff has had some time to digest the James Harden for Darius Garland trade, as well as see what Harden looks like in wine and gold. That makes it a perfect time to answer five questions about the trade and what it means for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season.

What are your first impressions of Harden as a Cavalier?​

Mike Anguilano: Adding one of the best pick-and-roll passers ever will immediately make Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley (less so, but still) even more valuable on offense. Harden’s clutch shot-making was on full display against the Sacramento Kings, but the fact that he was so open because defenses had to scramble after Donovan Mitchell is even more encouraging. That is a true pick-your-poison backcourt pairing in a way that Darius Garland was not quite at the level of.

Corey Walsh: Harden on the Cavaliers is something I do not think I will ever be able to comprehend. Against the Kings, it felt like one could see Harden’s mindset and comfort level increase as the game went along. In the first quarter, he avoided stepping on toes, opting to facilitate. By the end of the game, he was comfortable shooting from his spots. It’ll be fascinating to see the role evolve in the final games of the regular season.

Jackson Flickinger: The gravity that Harden has as an offensive player is more than I anticipated. It’s incredible to see someone command so much attention from a defense while also sharing the floor with Mitchell. This is the most offensively skilled backcourt in franchise history.

What are you most excited about with the Harden addition?​

MA: It was a shock to see the Cavs have to throw in a pick for the Clippers to take Garland, but that is how it sometimes goes with injured, expensive players. The addition of Harden immediately puts the Cavs into even more of a win-now territory, but this doesn’t feel as much of a risk compared to some other “all-in” type moves. Harden and Mitchell is a lethal backcourt pairing in a way that Garland was not able to fully level up to. Or at least not consistently enough.

CW: His ability to get the bigs, specifically Jarrett Allen, involved after what has been a disappointing campaign, is intriguing. It was apparent from the get-go that Harden’s passing was going to add another layer to the Cavaliers’ offensive play, something that Mitchell at the point guard was never going to bring.

JF: I’m interested to see how the chemistry grows between Mitchell and Harden. It’s clear after one game that they can be the most dynamic backcourt in the league. How does that develop? Can they become better than the sum of their parts?

This offense will still be good if they just reverted to playing, your turn, my turn basketball. If they truly bought into playing off each other, this could be really special.

What will you miss most about Darius Garland?​

MA: Garland was the first player I truly got to interview and ask questions to. During All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, back in 2022, he was donating band uniforms to a local high school with a high percentage of disadvantaged students. I asked Darius about being named an All-Star for the first time, what it means to him, and his growth as a player, and what his favorite local restaurants are that he would be recommending to the other All-Stars. He was great to talk to, very genuine, and had some great answers. In addition to his status as a young, All-Star caliber player, I’ll miss the Cavs losing an all-around good person.

CW: Truthfully, Garland was the emotional core of the Cavaliers since roughly 2021. To lose Darius removes a lot of the culture the Cavaliers have cultivated over the years. While that hasn’t translated into playoff success, this team oozed vibes. I feel like they are shifting from one that seemed like a family to a team that feels more corporate.

JF: Just watching the infectious joy Garland plays with. There was something so satisfying about watching the way he would pick apart a defense, and then skip down the court like he was playing pick up with his friends.

On top of that, his style of play was incredibly entertaining. The way Garland would probe the defense, keep his dribble alive, and find passing angles that you didn’t even know were there was so much fun to watch.

What is your biggest concern about the trade?​

MA: Another fade out in the playoffs is the biggest fear, and it’s not close. The narrative around Harden and his inability to perform consistently in the playoffs aligns eerily close to the Cavs’ story. The fit on the court between him and Mitchell is not nearly as concerning as I think there is enough time to figure it out. Harden has played with other high-usage players and things have worked out fine…in the regular season.

CW: Outside of postseason success, which I believe is the most obvious and discussed flaw. I think about how this team handles the on and off-floor chemistry between Harden and Mitchell.

Harden’s currently expressed willingness to be the second banana in Cleveland and seems willing to go with the flow. What happens when the Cavaliers begin to flounder, or if they exit in the second round again? How will Harden’s stance about the team warp? He has a track record of not handling middling results well.

JF: The perimeter defense is a problem. While Garland wasn’t a defensive specialist, he could stay in front of his man better than Harden. That has me worried in a playoff series against a team like the Boston Celtics that can space the floor and attack you off-the-dribble with playmakers at every position.

Which Eastern Conference team is the biggest threat to the Cavs?​

MA: The New York Knicks, but it is close. Boston is not fully healthy, which limits their offense. The Detroit Pistons make a very strong case, but they have some holes that could become chasms in the playoffs if exposed properly. But the Knicks are a more cohesive unit, boast one of the league’s best offenses behind Jalen Brunson, and have enough on the defensive side to string stops together.

CW: Barring a Tatum return for Boston, it has to be the Knicks, right? The Knicks have the same makeup of a team that can turn on the physical dial, and adding Harden doesn’t change the calculus. As long as players like Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, and Brunson are on this roster, they will have the Cavaliers’ number until something changes.

JF: The Celtics, even without Tatum, are a problem. They have the talent and versatile playmakers to hurt the Cavs in a lot of the ways the Indiana Pacers did last season. Even though this is a very different Cavs team, this group still has a lot of the same strengths and weaknesses.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-a...land-cavaliers-boston-celtics-new-york-knicks

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

‘We’re just hooping on vibes,’ How the surging Cavs have turned their season around

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 9: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after making a three point basket during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Vibes matter in the NBA. They always have.

The Cleveland Cavaliers built a historic 64-win team last year largely on vibes. Sure, immense talent across the roster is a barrier for entry. But we’ve seen talented squads struggle to play with the joy and harmony the Cavaliers played with last season.

Even the Cavs themselves had trouble replicating it.

This team fell flat on its face in the first two months of the season. Constant injuries threw multiple curveballs at them, while disappointing efforts and dysfunctional chemistry led to a 17-16 record by late December. Nothing was working, and the team was running out of time to figure it out.

During that brutal stretch to open the season, Kenny Atkinson referenced his championship with the Golden State Warriors — and how adversity can be par for the course.

“Everyone thinks it’s a smooth ride, but it definitely isn’t smooth,” Atkinson said. “That year we won the championship, I think we had a stretch where we went 7-16, we lost 9-out-of-11 at one point, 7-of-8 [in a different stretch] — nothing was screaming championship that season, as a matter of fact, it was like ‘oh my gosh, this is falling apart.”

That quote feels more relevant now, on February 10th, as the Cavaliers have won 16 of their last 21 games and have the best record in basketball since December 29th. They’ve turned things around in the midst of more injuries and franchise-altering trades.

All the while, they feel more legit than ever before as a result of overcoming their slow start.

“We’re continuing to show that [toughness],” said Sam Merrill after Cleveland’s latest win over the Denver Nuggets. “I say this all the time, it hasn’t been perfect this year. Wasn’t perfect last year, but I think this group is continuing to grow.”

The Cavs began their recent road trip with a few devastating blows. Darius Garland had re-injured his toe just a few games before the trip, while Evan Mobley would go down with another calf injury shortly after. So, Cleveland hit the West Coast undermanned and was promptly dismantled by the Phoenix Suns. It felt like this could be another two steps backwards for a team that had just started to gain momentum in January.

Instead, the team rattled off four consecutive wins and picked up some new talent along the way.

Jarrett Allen put up a historic 40 points and 17 rebounds to beat the Blazers. After that, the Cavs dealt Garland for 11-time All-Star James Harden in a gutsy, all-in move that shocked the NBA. Cleveland proceeded to thrash the LA Clippers one night after the trade — before welcoming Harden to their lineup for a thrilling win over the Sacramento Kings later that week.

The Cavs then traveled to Denver for their final game of the trip. Playing in high altitude after a grueling two-weeks away from home took a visible toll on them. They looked exhausted, at times, and trailed for 43 minutes of the game. Yet they never folded, and it was a combination of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Jarrett Allen who pulled this team across the finish line for their fourth straight win.

“We found a way to get it done,” said Harden. “It’s our second game [together]. No practices, a couple of film sessions, not the way it’s supposed to happen.”

JAMES HARDEN IN CRUNCHTIME IS HIM pic.twitter.com/qC1c0GAS4f

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 10, 2026

Getting this team back into a groove is one thing. Inserting another ball-dominant guard into the mix without throwing off the chemistry is another challenge altogether. Pulling off both of those feats in consecutive comeback victories is special. This Cavs team is harkening back to the good vibes that made them successful a year ago.

“There are so many things that we’ve found, and we still haven’t practiced yet,” said Mitchell. “We’re just hoopin off vibes.”

Talent can only get you so far. The Cavs saw this for themselves in November and December. But as the front office pushes the right buttons to add more talent to the roster, the Cavaliers have responded by getting themselves organized and on the same page. Winning only makes the process that much easier. Just as quickly as things fell apart, they can come back together again.

“It’s go time,” said Harden, before heading back to Cleveland for his home debut. You won’t want to miss it.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-a...-surging-cavs-have-turned-their-season-around

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs vs. Wizards: How to watch, odds, and injury report

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to roll into the All-Star break on a five-game winning streak. The only thing standing in their way is a less-than-stellar Washington Wizards team.

Wednesday will be James Harden’s first game in Cleveland as a Cavalier. He’s made a great first impression with the team as he’s come up big in the clutch against the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets. We’ll see what he has in store for his home debut.

The Wizards aren’t exactly trying to win games at this point in the season. Their midseason trades for Anthony Davis and Trae Young were done with next year in mind.

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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (33-21) vs. Washington Wizards (14-38)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH

When: Wed., Feb. 11 at 7 PM

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass

Point spread: Cavs -18.5

Cavs injury report: Dean Wade – OUT (ankle), Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League)

Wizards injury report: Bilal Coulibaly – QUESTIONABLE (heel), Anthony Davis – OUT (finger), Kyshawn George – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Anthony Gill – QUESTIONABLE (hand), D’Angelo Russell – OUT (not with team), Cam Whitmore – OUT (shoulder), Trae Young – OUT (knee)

Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Jarrett Allen

Wizards expected starting lineup: Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Justin Champagnie, Alex Sarr

Previous matchup: The Cavs needed 48 points from Donovan Mitchell to narowly defeat the Wizards 130-126 in December.

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive Rating	Defensive Rating	Net Rating
Cavs	117.8 (7th)	114.2 (11th)	+3.6 (9th)
Wizards	110.3 (29th)	121.3 (29th)	-11 (30th)

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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-i...s-wizards-how-to-watch-odds-and-injury-report

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

NBA clarifies controversial calls at end of Cavs win over Nuggets

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to referee Zach Zarba #15 during the fourth quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers‘ thrilling last-minute victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night had two controversial calls. According to the NBA’s Last Two Minute report, both were called correctly on the floor.

First, the referees didn’t call a foul on James Harden’s three-pointer to tie the game with 33 seconds left. Tim Hardaway Jr. took away Harden’s landing space on the jumper, which usually is called a defensive foul.

JAMES HARDEN TIES THE GAME AT 117!!!

HE'S GOT 22 ON THE NIGHT.

Tap to watch the finish: https://t.co/lLROH7VIoH pic.twitter.com/LzFlm0gXxl

— NBA (@NBA) February 10, 2026

The foul didn’t come, and that was supposedly the correct call.

The Last Two Minute Report states: “Harden (CLE) abnormally extends his leg as he returns to the floor to create the marginal lower body contact with Hardaway Jr. (DEN).”

I’m not sure if I agree with that one. Harden does extend his legs out when he’s shooting, but Hardaway is landing exactly where Harden took off from.

Moving on, the NBA also agrees that Donovan Mitchell was fouled by Jamal Murray on his drive with less than a second left. These two free throws led to the Cleveland victory.

View Link

The Last Two Minute Report states: “Murray (DEN) is late to the spot and turns into Mitchell (CLE), initiating illegal body contact.”

Murray was late to the spot, but that’s a tough foul in that moment. A no-call would’ve been acceptable given the situation.

The NBA did confirm that there was one missed call in the final two minutes.

Jaylon Tyson should’ve been whistled for a three-second violation on a late Nikola Jokic turnover. From the replay, it’s clear that Tyson was camped out in the lane, and you can hear someone on the court yelling out that it should’ve been a three-second violation.

All in all, the Cavs don’t have much to complain about here, especially after they got the win.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-n...o-minute-report-james-harden-donovan-mitchell

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

James Harden is the key to unlocking the best of Jarrett Allen

Feb 1, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) warms up before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

In 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers were part of a three-team trade involving James Harden and Jarrett Allen. At the time, it was seen as savvy to get in on a trade where the Brooklyn Nets needed to offload Allen to take on Harden. It feels almost surreal that a half-decade later, Allen and Harden are now a pivotal pairing in this new era of Cavaliers basketball.

In Harden’s short time in the wine and gold, what’s stood out most hasn’t been his scoring, but his ability to connect with Allen. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to those familiar with Harden-oriented offenses since his Houston Rockets days. Harden has led to career years for his bigs, such as Clint Capela in Houston, Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, Ivica Zubac in Los Angeles, and now Allen.

What is it about Harden that leads to this transformation amongst talented big men? It’s not like Harden turns pumpkins into All-Stars. The bigs listed above are all talented. It’s the consciousness and precision of Harden’s movements and understanding of how defenses respond to his every step.

Harden’s reputation as a three-level scorer demands attention. There’s a respect in how tightly defenders crowd him, knowing that at any moment the pitter-patter dribble into a step-back is coming — the move that frustrates both opposing fans and defenses alike. That looming threat forces defenders to split their attention. Stay home, and Harden steps back. Press up, and he’s by you — with a rolling big diving into space.

This was apparent from the jump with Harden.

Keeping an eye on how the James Harden/Jarrett Allen P&R chemistry develops. High P&R can engage a big early, opens Allen back up on the short roll. Combine that with Cleveland's spacing/cutting and should give it a boost. pic.twitter.com/Iv0m7bCHz3

— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) February 8, 2026

Not sure how *much* Harden gets two on the ball from teams but that's a plus for Cleveland especially if Donovan Mitchell is on the bench. Going to put the spotlight on the bigs to make reads/plays but I think CLE will take creating an advantage. pic.twitter.com/RgTo6G6C4q

— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) February 8, 2026

Kings tried to keep the Harden/Allen P&R on the side, the tricky part is Harden is going to engage the big. Always get the feel that the pace in which Harden comes off screens suits Allen, lets him release and roll pic.twitter.com/VZRxoK1MLp

— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) February 8, 2026

Yes, this is the Sacramento Kings, who were trudging out a G-League roster with cameos from Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. However, look at how the defense is having to react to the Harden and Allen pairing. Right at the beginning of the pick and roll, defenses are met with multiple choices. Those quick decisions include whether to switch, pressure Harden on ball with a double, or to rotate to meet Allen off the roll. All needs to be decided within two seconds. These actions happen in a blur, and defenses through two games have not.

Allen has posted 29 points and 22 points with Harden in the lineup. That is not something to brush off. Allen, for long stretches this season, has been an offensive afterthought. He was a name to monitor at the deadline, as it appears the Cavaliers threw their hands up with their former All-Star big man.

Allen is not the dynamic on-ball threat that some bigs are, where he can get the ball on the block and create his own shot. Allen is a play finisher, which is exactly where Harden comes in. The Cavaliers’ offense, led by Donovan Mitchell handling primary on-ball duties, was not unlocking the bigs like Harden has.

Lineups with Harden running point with Allen at center have been on an absolute heater. The Cavaliers are posting 120.7 points per 100 possessions (88th percentile) and 108.9 points per 100 possessions in the half-court (98th percentile) with both on the floor. Swap out Harden for Mitchell on point, and those numbers drop to a 116.2 offensive rating (59th percentile) and 101.3 half-court offensive rating (78th percentile).

This isn’t a slight on Mitchell, who obviously is as dynamic a player as there is in the league. Harden is simply more of a play starter for his teammates than Mitchell. This only shows that Harden can take some of the responsibility for the Cavaliers’ offense off Mitchell.

This season, it felt like the Cavaliers could only survive if Mitchell is at his best. That usually doesn’t involve him trying to get the bigs involved. If anything, it feels like with Mitchell’s slashing ability, the Cavs’ bigs more often than not can get in the way on drives to the hoop.

Harden’s play is complementary to the bigs. Hence why Allen is standing out from the opening tip. This isn’t a short-term thing, there are tons of context throughout the career of Harden to know that this is here to stay.

Harden is a center’s best friend. Allen, who at one point was the one who seemed most likely of the core four to be on the move, instead will be the biggest beneficiary of the Cavaliers’ win-now move.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-a...rs-james-harden-brooklyn-nets-houston-rockets