The Cleveland Cavaliers obliterated the Brooklyn Nets 112-84 in their first game back from the All-Star break. Let’s see who won the night.
WINNER – James Harden’s Creation
Advantage creation is probably the single most important trait in basketball. Can you beat a defense and get them into rotation? For James Harden, that’s as intuitive as it gets.
Brooklyn looked hopeless trying to contain Harden tonight. He picked them apart on every possession, dishing in the pick-and-roll, throwing lobs to his teammates, scoring at the rim, and nailing step-back three-pointers. Harden finished the first half with 13 points (5-5 shooting), 6 assists, and only 1 turnover.
Harden dissects the defense as good as anyone. His control of the Cavaliers’ offense kept them three steps ahead of the Nets all night long. And while his playmaking makes everyone around him better (especially Jarrett Allen), it’s important not to forget that Harden can score in bunches himself. This dual threat makes Harden the perfect co-partner for Donovan Mitchell. More on that later.
We’ve all seen Cleveland’s offense at its best when the ball is flowing. But that cascading effect of drive, kick, and relocate can only begin if someone causes the defense to break down in the first place. Harden has gotten the Cavs offense out of the mud, back on the track, and speeding to the front of the league.
WINNER – Keon Ellis
The Cavs have always needed a player like Keon Ellis. A fearless and athletic role player who can make things happen on both ends of the floor.
Within seconds of entering the game, Ellis put the ball on the floor, attacked a closeout and threw down a two-hand poster dunk. Shortly after, he scrambled to the corner and blocked a Brooklyn three-point attempt at its release. Later in the same quarter, Ellis buried a catch-and-shoot three-pointer.
I don’t think you can ask for much more than that.
“I’m not sure I’ve seen that in the league,” said Kenny Aktinson after the game. “Getting into the passing lane, he had three blocks tonight, it’s like, I knew that was part of the statistical profile, but to see it live is impressive.“
Ellis is a chaotic defender who has already shown a knack for disrupting plays. Whether it’s swiping down on drives, darting into passing lanes, or blocking unsuspecting shooters. All the while, he’s making an impact as a floor spacer and attacking off the dribble when he gets an opportunity.
WINNER -That Harden to Mitchell Lob
Did we mention something about Harden and Mitchell co-existing?
Early in the first quarter, we got our first Harden to Mitchell alley-oop. And, well, it was better than anyone could have expected.
I wasn’t sure what Harden’s plan was when he stole the ball and accelerated into the open court. It looked like Brooklyn’s defense might stop him at half court or force him into a difficult shot at the rim. But then, Harden threw the ball up into the rafters, and somehow timed it perfectly with Mitchell’s jump to guide him right to the rim for an alley-oop finish.
I can’t say enough about how difficult this pass was. Throwing a lob this gentle after bursting around a defender is the type of thing that only players like Harden are capable of doing at this level.
WINNER — Jarrett Allen (and Evan Mobley)
The Fro has dominated February.
Now, I want to be clear that Allen was already starting to dominate teams before Harden joined the team. This isn’t all because of The Beard.
But, having an elite pick-and-roll partner has only magnified Allen’s increased aggression. He’s been a beast in the paint for a full month now. Tonight, the Nets simply had no solution for him. Allen scored 15 points and earned 10 free throws in the first half.
Harden’s vision in the pick-and-roll has simplified everything. He’s delivering the ball to Allen on time and in motion. Throwing the ball into open space has forced Allen to be aggressive in going after it. From there, all that JA’s had to do is catch and go up with a layup or dunk.
“It’s almost like a quarterback leading a receiver, you catch it in stride,” said Atkinson.
The PNR is great, but Allen has done even more than that. He’s lurked in the dunker’s spot and been rewarded with dump-off passes. He’s buried his defenders in the post with deep-seals to punish mismatches. And, of course, he’s still a defensive anchor on the other end. Whatever you ask of him, Allen is doing it.
Atkinson said before the game that Allen has “opened his eyes” to new possibilities — and he wants to keep him as a focal point of the offense. With the way he’s played, I’m inclined to agree. It would be a mistake to rein him in now.
I also want to shout out Evan Mobley, who returned from a calf strain tonight. He moved well and found an immediate connection with Harden in the PNR. Similar to Allen, Mobley will benefit from having the ball force-fed to him while running to the rim. There’s less to think about when you’re catching with an advantage. Harden’s passing ensures Mobley can avoid aimlessly probing and instead dominate with his athleticism.