Cavaliers Vs Nets: cavaliers vs nets — Harden scores 22 in 106-102 Cleveland win

In New York on Sunday the cavaliers vs nets matchup ended 106-102 as James Harden scored 22 points in his return to the lineup with a broken thumb, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers snap a two-game skid while the Brooklyn Nets fell to their eighth straight loss. The result leaves the Nets mired in a stretch that has seen them lose 11 of 13 games.

Harden returns despite fractured thumb, posts full stat line

James Harden scored 22 points in his return after missing two games following a fracture earlier in the week. He shot 5 for 9 from the field, made 4 of 7 from three-point range and converted 8 of 12 free throws, and added nine rebounds and eight assists in the game. Harden was injured Tuesday night in a 109-94 home victory over New York; X-rays on Wednesday showed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx. The 17-year veteran had been traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to Cleveland on Feb. 4.

Key Cavaliers contributors, injuries and next opponent

Jarrett Allen scored 20 points and Evan Mobley finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds as Cleveland rallied for the win. Sam Merrill finished with 15 points and Dennis Schroder had 10. Cleveland snapped a two-game skid and improved to 12-1 in their last 13 games against the Nets. Donovan Mitchell was sidelined for a third straight game with a groin injury, and Dean Wade also sat out with a sprained ankle. The Cavaliers will host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

Cavaliers Vs Nets: Brooklyn’s scoring leaders and team slide

Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting, while Danny Wolf added 23 points and nine rebounds. Nolan Traore contributed 17 points and Grant Nelson scored 11. The Nets’ loss dropped them to 15-45 overall; it was their eighth straight defeat and their 11th loss in 13 games.