James Harden’s 32 points powered Cleveland to a 115-107 road win despite 27 from Jalen Brunson.
Cleveland beat New York 115-107, building an early cushion and holding off the Knicks over the final quarter. The final was played today, Wednesday, on the Eastern calendar. The Cavaliers opened 33-23, the teams tied 23-23 in the third, and Cleveland edged the fourth 33-31. James Harden led the way with 32 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three, plus 9-of-11 free throws, four assists, two steals and two turnovers. Donovan Mitchell added 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, one block and four turnovers. Jarrett Allen delivered 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting and 14 rebounds, adding three assists, a steal and a block without a turnover. Jalen Brunson scored 27 on 12-of-23 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns posted 21 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for New York.
Key Performers
James Harden, Cavaliers: 32 PTS, 9-14 FG, 5-7 3PT, 9-11 FT, 4 AST, 2 STL Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers: 23 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK Jarrett Allen, Cavaliers: 11 PTS, 14 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO
Standings Impact
Cleveland is listed at 5-6 and 17th in the power index; New York is 6-4 and 10th. The Cavaliers’ win came on the road, where their listed record is 1-4.
DYMA Insight
Cleveland’s opening 10-point quarter cushion mattered in a game where the teams were even in the third and separated by only two points in the fourth. Harden’s 32-point night gave the Cavaliers the scoring edge against a Knicks side led by Brunson’s 27.