James Harden Stats: 13 numbers explain Cavs 118-113 win (james harden stats)

The Cleveland Cavaliers outscored the Charlotte Hornets 118-113 to extend their win streak to seven games, a result underscoring how james harden stats coincide with an elite Cavs offense on the floor. The game, coming after the All-Star break, highlighted both Cleveland’s depth and Charlotte’s severe roster shortfall.

James Harden Stats and Cavs' offensive surge (james harden stats)

Game-day figures and game flow made clear that the Cavaliers’ offense has been elite when James Harden is on the court. The Cavs "thoroughly dominated both sides of the floor" in the victory, and the team entered the night having hit the ground running after the All-Star break. The Harden-for-Garland trade reshaped the Cleveland backcourt; Harden is identified as a former MVP and the NBA's ninth all-time scorer, a pairing that has altered usage and lineup dynamics.

Observable indicators in this game included sustained scoring and overall control on offense and defense. Another Cavs player is noted as having the best month of his career, contributing to the team’s momentum. The club’s two-big lineup with Harden remains unresolved and unclear at this time, which leaves tactical questions for upcoming matchups. If the Cavs preserve the offensive efficiency shown with Harden on the floor, the current streak and their status as title contenders could be reinforced; if lineup experiments falter, performance may vary.

Hornets’ depleted bench and missing contributors

Charlotte entered the game severely depleted and it showed: four impactful players missed the contest — Moussa Diabate, Grant Williams, Miles Bridges, and Coby White — leaving the Hornets short on depth. The bench managed just 24 points, with Tidjane Salaün leading that group with 9 points. The Hornets had been riding a strong run, having won ten of their previous twelve games, but the absences and a thin frontcourt rotation bluntly affected their ability to respond when LaMelo Ball was off the floor.

Disciplinary context also affected availability: two players had been suspended for four games each following an altercation with another team, further thinning interior depth. The combination of suspensions and injuries reduced the Hornets’ options, and with a bench that could not produce secondary scoring, Cleveland’s advantages grew clearer.

What to watch next for both teams

Cleveland’s immediate narrative is straightforward: the club has won seven straight and looks to build on its post–All-Star break momentum. The arrival of Harden the trade deadline has already changed Cleveland’s look; the team’s longer-term trajectory will depend on how coaching deploys Harden and whether a two-big approach proves viable. A Cavs player expressed gratitude for the season’s success while still pointing to bigger plans ahead, signaling internal expectations remain high.

For Charlotte, health and availability are the primary levers. The Hornets’ bench scoring and frontcourt depth will be critical once suspended and sidelined players return; the team’s previous run of wins shows upside when at full strength. Short term, the Hornets must manage guard play when LaMelo is rested and seek to bolster off-the-bench scoring. Observing lineup changes for Cleveland and the timing of any returns for Charlotte will be the clearest indicators of how the coming weeks shape up.

• Key takeaways: Cavs’ offense shines with Harden; Hornets hampered by absences and bench shortfall.