James Harden returned to action after a broken thumb, scoring 22 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 106-102, ending a two-game losing streak. Despite missing two games, Harden shot 5 for 9 from the field, contributing significantly alongside Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The Nets, who led at halftime, suffered their eighth consecutive loss, with Michael Porter Jr. scoring 26 points. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and Dean Wade were sidelined due to injuries.
