Cleveland Cavaliers Dominate Nets in Post-All-Star Break Blowout
CLEVELAND - The Cavaliers kicked off their post-All-Star break schedule with a commanding 112-84 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, setting the tone with relentless energy and cohesive play.
From the jump, Cleveland's high-octane performance was evident. Jarrett Allen set the pace with his intensity, while James Harden dazzled with his passing wizardry, orchestrating the offense with precision. By the end of the first quarter, the game was effectively decided.
The Nets, clearly in a rebuilding phase, were no match for the Cavs' professionalism. As coach Kenny Atkinson noted, “We handled our business.” This wasn’t just a win, it was a statement of intent against a team in transition.
Despite the Nets' struggles, the Cavs have shown growth since their January loss to the Jazz. This victory wasn’t about making a statement; it was about executing fundamentals and maintaining momentum.
Rest was a luxury the Cavs could afford, with key players like Harden (16 points, nine assists), Donovan Mitchell (17 points), Allen (15 points), Evan Mobley (10 points, nine rebounds), and Dean Wade (11 points) enjoying lighter workloads. This was crucial, given the grueling schedule of five games in seven days, starting with a back-to-back against the surging Charlotte Hornets.
The game also marked the return of Mobley and Wade from injuries. Mobley, shaking off some early rust, found his rhythm as the game progressed. “Definitely a little rust,” Atkinson admitted, acknowledging Mobley’s minutes restriction but praising his improved second stint.
Allen continued his impressive form, seemingly elevated by Harden’s presence. Harden’s court vision was on full display, with standout plays like a fastbreak lob to Mitchell and a pinpoint bounce pass to Allen, both resulting in emphatic dunks.
Atkinson likened Harden to a quarterback, saying, “He’s almost like a quarterback leading the receivers. You don’t have to wait for it. You catch it in stride.”
With this win, the Cavs improved to 35-21, boasting a six-game winning streak and an impressive 18-5 record since late December, the best in the league during that stretch.
Former Cavs draft pick Ochai Agbaji, now with the Nets, contributed 13 points. Agbaji was initially drafted by Cleveland but traded to Utah in the deal that brought Mitchell to the Cavs.
Cleveland’s shooting was efficient, hitting 51 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range. Many of the missed threes came in the latter stages when the game was well in hand.
With Harden and Mitchell leading the charge, the Cavs’ chemistry is clicking at just the right time.