James Harden's clutch fourth-quarter heroics ignited a thrilling comeback win, showcasing a newfound dynamic that has the Cleveland Cavaliers soaring at the moment
Monday night in the Mile High City was basketball cinema at its finest.
With 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves trailing the Denver Nuggets by 11, 103-92. For much of this season, that type of situation would end predictably in a loss, with the wine and gold looking largely uninspiring down the stretch.
But that version of the team didn't have James Harden.
The newest Cavalier was a legitimate weapon when it mattered most against Denver, scoring six points and assisting on another four buckets during the final stanza of the game.
Every time it felt like the Nuggets had delivered a decisive, game-sealing blow, Harden and the Cavs had a counter-punch of their own.
With 8:27 to go in the quarter, Harden hit a three to cut the Nuggets' lead to just seven, 103-96. A few minutes and several Denver trips to the free throw line later, it was Jaylon Tyson doing the honors, knocking down a three to cut the lead to 10 again, on a feed from Harden.
Two possessions after that, Harden drew a double-team at the top of the arc to free up Sam Merrill for a bounce pass into a three. Then, with just over 5:30 to go in the game, Harden came up with a steal on a deflected pass from Jamal Murray, raced to the other end of the floor and lobbed one up to Jarrett Allen for a fast break layup to make it a two-point game, 106-104.
Finally, the Nuggets stopped the bleeding with a three-and a couple of free throws to build the lead back up to seven. But that pesky Harden wasn't done, driving to the basket with 4:03 to play and kicking out to a wide-open Jaylon Tyson for yet another three, cutting the lead to just four, 111-107.
During a stretch from 8:27 to 4:03 of the quarter, Harden had scored or assisted on 14 of Cleveland's 15 points scored. He wasn't done. Down three, with 32 seconds left in regulation, the 36-year-old did what he does best.
In isolation with Tim Hardaway Jr. out on the left wing, Harden tap-danced his way into a step-back three. He drilled it to tie the game.
His new partner in crime Donovan Mitchell did the honors of putting the game away, drilling two free throws with .9 to play, to punctuate what is easily the Cavs biggest statement win of the season.
They have Harden to thank.
The attention he drew. The plays he made. The contagious energy that spread throughout the team. It all started with him.
There's just something different about the Cavaliers right now. Jarrett Allen even said as much to Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor after the game.
Since Dec. 29, the Cavs have posted an NBA-best record of 16-5. Right now, they're in the middle of a four-game win streak ahead of All-Star Weekend.
It's only been two games, but the early returns with Harden have been nothing short of spectacular. What's scary for the rest of the East is that they're doing this without Evan Mobley and Max Strus, who both remain sidelined due to injury at the moment.
In recent years, February and March in Cleveland have been plagued by injuries and shooting slumps. This team, with the injection of Harden, appears poised to peak at the right time.