NBA · Quarter Summary
Harden and Merrill Fuel Cleveland’s 28-16 First-Quarter Edge
October 30, 2026 · 12:38 AM
James Harden and Sam Merrill power Cleveland to a 12-point lead after one quarter in Atlanta.
Cleveland closed the first quarter with a 28-16 lead, building a 12-point cushion over Atlanta. James Harden set the pace with 9 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while Sam Merrill added 8 points and hit 2 of 4 threes. The Cavaliers’ fast start puts the 3-1 team, ranked 12th in the power index, ahead of the 2-3 Hawks, ranked 16th. Atlanta’s early scoring was limited: CJ McCollum had 3 points and 2 assists, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker also scored 3.
Key Performers
James Harden (Cleveland): 9 points, 4-for-6 shooting Sam Merrill (Cleveland): 8 points, 2-for-4 from three CJ McCollum (Atlanta): 3 points, 2 assists