Sam Merrill erupted for a career-high 32 points and Donovan Mitchell added 30 as the Cleveland Cavaliers cruised past the Washington Wizards 138-113 on Wednesday night in James Harden’s first home game with the franchise.
Harden finished with 13 points and 11 assists in 28 minutes, recording his second double-double in three games since being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 4. Though he shot just 1 of 4 from the field, Harden went 10 of 12 from the free-throw line and helped orchestrate Cleveland’s offense throughout.
The Cavaliers extended their winning streak to five games and have now won 10 of their last 11. It also marked the fifth time this season Cleveland never trailed in a game. The Cavs have defeated Washington 15 straight times dating back to 2022, the second-longest such streak against one opponent in franchise history.
Merrill set the tone early, scoring 26 points in the first half while making all nine of his field-goal attempts, including seven 3-pointers. It was just the third time in franchise history a player made at least nine shots in a half without a miss. He poured in 17 points in the second quarter, including 12 during a 16-5 run that pushed Cleveland’s lead to 74-55 late in the half. Merrill finished 11 of 12 from the field and 9 of 10 from beyond the arc.
Jarrett Allen contributed 21 points and nine rebounds for Cleveland, which led 76-61 at halftime. Washington opened the third quarter on a 12-2 run to pull within five, but the Cavaliers responded and carried a 108-89 advantage into the fourth before pulling away.
Kyshawn George scored 17 points and Jamir Watkins added 16 for the Wizards, who have lost three straight and four of their last five.
Up next:
The Wizards host Indiana on Feb. 19, while the Cavaliers welcome Brooklyn on Feb. 19.
