If you haven’t been paying attention to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the last 48 hours, you’re missing the start of something terrifying. The Cavs aren’t just winning; they are dismantling teams. Fresh off a 112-84 demolition of the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, Cleveland is looking less like a playoff contender and more like a title favorite. Why is everyone talking about tonight’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets? Because the league is trying to figure out if anyone can stop this new juggernaut.
The James Harden Effect
When the Cavaliers executed the blockbuster trade sending Darius Garland to the Clippers for James Harden earlier this month, critics called it a gamble. Today, it looks like a masterstroke.
Since arriving in “The Land,” Harden has completely unlocked Cleveland’s offense. In yesterday’s blowout against the Nets, “The Beard” didn’t just score 16 points; he orchestrated the floor with 9 assists and 5 rebounds, feeding Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen for easy buckets. The chemistry is instant, and the spacing is lethal.
The Gang is Finally All Here
What makes tonight’s game vs. the Hornets even more dangerous for the rest of the NBA? Evan Mobley is back.
After missing seven games with a calf strain, the defensive unicorn returned yesterday to drop 10 points and grab 9 boards in limited minutes. With Mobley anchoring the defense and Harden conducting the offense, the Cavs have a balance of star power that rivals the best in the West.
Tonight’s game against Charlotte isn’t just another regular-season fixture; it’s a heat check. The Hornets are walking into a buzzsaw of momentum. If Cleveland dominates again tonight, the narrative shifts from “Are they good?” to “Can they beat Boston or Denver in a 7-game series?”
The “Harden Era” in Cleveland is undefeated so far. Tonight, we find out if they can keep the streak alive.
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