Harden returns as Cavaliers edge Nets 106-102 on March 1, 2026 in Brooklyn

Cleveland closes out a tight finish at Barclays Center

The Cleveland Cavaliers held off the Brooklyn Nets, 106-102, on Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2026, at Barclays Center, ending a brief skid and completing a road win that turned on late-game execution after a turnover-heavy middle stretch.

Cleveland played without Donovan Mitchell, who missed the game with a groin injury, and leaned on a veteran-led response that stabilized after Brooklyn carried a halftime advantage. The Nets entered the game deep in the Eastern Conference standings and used a strong second quarter to move in front 52-46 at the break.

Key performers: Harden, Allen and Mobley anchor the response

James Harden returned to the Cavaliers’ lineup after a thumb injury and finished with 22 points, eight assists and nine rebounds. Cleveland’s interior production was led by Jarrett Allen, who scored 20 points while drawing heavy attention in the paint. Evan Mobley added a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds as Cleveland’s defense tightened in the second half.

Sam Merrill provided timely perimeter scoring during Cleveland’s push to regain control, while Dennis Schröder handled backcourt minutes with Mitchell unavailable.

• James Harden: 22 points, 8 assists, 9 rebounds
• Jarrett Allen: 20 points
• Evan Mobley: 17 points, 13 rebounds

Brooklyn’s young contributors keep the Nets within range

Brooklyn received a team-high 26 points from Michael Porter Jr. and a significant bench lift from rookie Danny Wolf, who scored 23 points and operated as a secondary playmaker. Nolan Traoré added 17 points as the Nets remained competitive into the final minute, despite missing rim protection with Nic Claxton sidelined by a thumb sprain.

Brooklyn led at halftime, but Cleveland’s third-quarter control and late possessions proved decisive.

How the game turned: halftime swing, third-quarter pressure, late mistakes

The Cavaliers opened with early momentum but struggled with turnovers that fueled Brooklyn’s transition game and allowed the Nets to dictate tempo before intermission. After halftime, Cleveland’s decision-making improved, and Harden’s orchestration helped the Cavaliers generate higher-quality looks while Mobley and Allen anchored the defensive glass.

The closing sequence featured high-pressure possessions on both ends. Brooklyn’s late opportunities were undercut by execution issues, and Cleveland managed the final moments well enough to secure the four-point win.

What’s next

The Cavaliers’ victory concluded a demanding stretch on the schedule and set up a home game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, against the Detroit Pistons. Brooklyn continues its week with a back-to-back set against the Miami Heat beginning Tuesday.