Brooklyn, N.Y., Mar. 1, 2026 — James Harden scored 22 points in his first game back from a fractured right thumb, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers edge the Brooklyn Nets 106-102 on Sunday at Barclays Center.
The 34-year-old guard had missed the previous two contests but returned to direct the offense with precision, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and adding eight assists and nine rebounds. He committed five turnovers and acknowledged lingering discomfort in the thumb, yet said he expects added rest after the next game to aid recovery.
Veteran presence finishes the job
Cleveland (38-24) played without leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, sidelined by a lingering injury, but leaned on experience to close the contest. Center Jarrett Allen poured in 20 points, forward Evan Mobley supplied 17 points and 13 rebounds, and reserve guard Sam Merrill connected on 5-of-8 shots for 15 points. Dennis Schroder chipped in 12 points off the bench.
Keon Ellis, also returning from injury, scored four points, grabbed three rebounds and blocked five shots while playing with a broken finger. His perimeter defense helped limit the Nets down the stretch.
Nets fight but fall short
Brooklyn (15-45) received 26 points from Michael Porter Jr. but could not convert late possessions. The Cavaliers held a 38-32 edge on the boards and hit 13-of-27 three-point attempts (48%).
Cleveland earned 35 free-throw attempts, missing eight. The club’s defensive effort produced five blocks from Ellis and enough stops to overcome an energetic but inexperienced Nets roster.
Quotes
“We didn’t play great and I thought they played really well,” Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Offense wasn’t perfect, but we found a way.”
Harden added, “Some turnovers were just not being able to handle the ball properly, but after the next game hopefully I get a couple days to relax and let it heal up.”
Injury notes and schedule
Mitchell remains day-to-day, while forward Dean Wade (sprained ankle) also sat out. The Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday before receiving four days off.
Source: Hoops Wire
