Mitchell and Harden Shine Late in Cavs’ 119-117 Victory Over Nuggets
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson faced a significant challenge during their recent trip to Denver. The team, weary from a 12-day journey across five cities, managed to secure a dramatic 119-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. This win marked their fourth consecutive victory and a remarkable ninth win in their last ten games, further solidifying the impact of the recent addition of James Harden.
Late Game Highlights
In a battle against a respected championship contender, Cleveland showed resilience after trailing for much of the game. The Cavaliers initially took a 6-0 lead but soon lost momentum, allowing the Nuggets to dominate the first half. By halftime, Denver had led for nearly 21 minutes.
The tide began to turn late in the third quarter when Cleveland regained the lead for the first time since the opening minutes on a pair of free throws by Harden. However, the lead was short-lived as Denver quickly retaliated, ending the third quarter with a five-point advantage.
Early in the fourth quarter, Denver extended its lead to 11 points, but the Cavaliers maintained their composure. Cleveland managed to cut the deficit to a mere two points, driven by key performances from their star players.
Decisive Moments
With only 30 seconds remaining, Harden delivered a crucial step-back three-pointer to tie the game at 117. Following this, a missed three-pointer from Nuggets’ Tim Hardaway Jr. allowed Cleveland to regain possession. In a strategic decision, Atkinson opted not to call a timeout, instead trusting Donovan Mitchell to make a play.
Mitchell took control of the fast break and drew a foul with only 0.9 seconds left. He successfully converted both free throws, putting Cleveland ahead for the final time in the game. Despite a last-second attempt by Nikola Jokic to tie the game again, Denver was unable to score.
Player Performances and Statistics
Mitchell finished with a game-high 32 points and recorded 10 assists, while Harden contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Jarrett Allen notched his fourth consecutive double-double, amassing 22 points and 13 rebounds, playing a crucial role in guarding Jokic.
- Donovan Mitchell: 32 points, 10 assists
- James Harden: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists
- Jarrett Allen: 22 points, 13 rebounds
Cleveland’s roster was missing key players, including Evan Mobley, Dean Wade, and Max Strus, but contributions from bench players like Jaylon Tyson, who scored 16 points, proved invaluable.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic delivered a strong performance with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, supported by Christian Braun and Julian Strawther, who both scored 20 points.
Looking Ahead
With this thrilling victory, the Cavaliers are set to return home for one final game before the All-Star break. They will face the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at 7 p.m., aiming to continue their winning streak.
