Cleveland Cavaliers: A New Era Begins with Harden's Impactful Play
The Cleveland Cavaliers cruised to a commanding 112-84 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing a style of play that could redefine their season. Let's dive into what this win means for the Cavs moving forward.
When Kenny Atkinson took over as head coach in 2024, his motion-based offense promised to revitalize a team struggling with a rigid two-big setup. The previous system under J.B.
Bickerstaff relied heavily on high pick-and-rolls, which didn't quite fit the roster's strengths. Atkinson's approach brought a fresh dynamism, but the recent acquisition of James Harden has shifted the landscape once again.
Currently, the Cavs are thriving as pick-and-roll specialists. Over the past four games, they've leaned heavily into this strategy, reaping significant rewards. With their current lineup, there's little reason to expect a change in this successful formula.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernández highlighted the complexities of mastering the pick-and-roll, emphasizing the importance of ball handling, body positioning, and play preparation. The Cavs' guards, especially their newest addition, have excelled in this area.
Brooklyn's attempt to trap Harden on ball screens was met with his adept playmaking. Time and again, he read the defense perfectly, akin to a quarterback leading his receivers, as Atkinson described.
Jarrett Allen has emerged as a major beneficiary of this offensive shift. His chemistry with Harden is evident, even after just four games together. Allen's ability to finish around the rim with finesse has been a revelation, and Harden's passing has allowed him to shine.
Allen's prowess as a vertical spacer is well-known, but his technical scoring skills are equally impressive. This season, he’s converting an impressive 77% of his shots in the restricted area, a testament to his growth.
While Harden's presence has amplified Allen's performance, it's also Allen's aggressive mindset that's driving his success. The Cavs are making a concerted effort to involve him early, and the results speak for themselves.
Donovan Mitchell, too, is thriving alongside Harden. The space created by defenses focusing on Harden has given Mitchell more room to operate, allowing him to showcase his scoring ability.
The Cavs are still in the early stages of integrating Harden, with limited practice time since the trade. Atkinson is in an "observation period," exploring the balance between a pick-and-roll and movement-based offense. He's focused on leveraging his players' strengths and adapting the system as needed.
Defensively, the Cavs were stellar, achieving their best defensive rating of the season in this game. While it's early days in the James Harden era, the signs are promising. The team's current momentum and elevated play level have sparked optimism about their potential.
As Dean Wade noted, this winning streak has highlighted a new level of performance for the Cavs. The journey is just beginning, but the path looks bright.