James Harden scored 27 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out seven assists to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 109-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Nets won their tenth game in a row after Harden hit all 12 of his free throws and LaMarcus Aldridge scored 14 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter. After scoring a season-low 19 points in Brooklyn’s 117-99 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Kevin Durant scored 19 of his 23 points in the first half. Patty Mills’ 21-point outburst was fueled by six 3-pointers.
Ricky Rubio of Cleveland scored 18 of his 25 points in the first half. In his comeback from an eight-game hiatus due to health and safety protocols, Darius Garland had 24 points and Kevin Love had 11.
In addition to fellow starters Collin Sexton (torn meniscus) and Lauri Markkanen, who is working his way back from health and safety protocols, Cleveland was missing youngster Evan Mobley (sprained right elbow) and former Nets centre Jarrett Allen (sickness).
With 4:43 left in the fourth quarter, Dean Wade stole the ball and made a slam on the other end to cut a 23-point lead to seven.
With a layup and a block on Isaac Okoro on the opposite end, Harden halted the momentum.
Brooklyn led 43-27 after scoring 18 of the first 22 points of the second quarter. In that rush, Aldridge took advantage of the interior with a short hook shot, two dunks, and a mid-range jumper.
📼 | @JHarden13 got it done tonight pic.twitter.com/UzQAhezkAa
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 18, 2021
