The Cleveland Cavaliers gave their fans a night to remember on February 11, 2026, delivering a commanding 138-113 victory over the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena. This game, which marked James Harden’s much-anticipated home debut in a Cavaliers uniform, extended Cleveland’s winning streak to five and cemented their position as one of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams heading into the All-Star break.
From the opening tip, the Cavaliers asserted their dominance, racing out to a 21-5 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. The energy in Rocket Arena was palpable as Cleveland’s new-look starting lineup—Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, and Jarrett Allen—showcased a potent mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. The Wizards, meanwhile, continued to lean into their youth movement, with a starting five featuring Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Jamir Watkins, and Kyshawn George, all tasked with weathering the storm against a surging Cavs squad.
Sam Merrill stole the spotlight with a shooting performance for the ages. The third-year guard erupted for 26 points in the first half, going a perfect 9-for-9 from the field and 7-of-7 from deep, tying the NBA record for most consecutive three-pointers made in the opening half since at least the 2002-03 season. According to Cavs Notes, “Merrill’s 7-7 mark from three is tied for the most 3FGM without a miss by any NBA player in an opening half since at least 2002-03. He is the first Cavs player to accomplish the feat in that span.” Merrill’s off-ball movement and lightning-quick release left the Wizards scrambling, and by the final buzzer, he’d posted a career-high 32 points on 11-of-12 shooting, including 9-of-10 from beyond the arc.
“There aren’t many things more entertaining than watching a sharpshooter like Merrill catch fire,” one local reporter remarked, capturing the buzz that swept through the arena each time Merrill launched another triple. His performance not only electrified the crowd but also provided a crucial boost as the Cavaliers continue to integrate James Harden into their rotation.
Speaking of Harden, the veteran guard delivered a strong all-around performance in his home debut. Harden finished with 13 points and 11 assists, orchestrating the offense with his signature flair. One highlight came in the third quarter when Harden delivered a dazzling behind-the-back pocket pass to Jaylon Tyson for an easy dunk—just one of several moments that showcased his chemistry with his new teammates. Harden’s ability to facilitate while still picking his spots as a scorer bodes well for Cleveland’s playoff aspirations.
Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers’ All-Star and emotional leader, continued his stellar campaign with a 30-point outing—his 28th such performance this season and the 99th of his Cavaliers tenure. Mitchell’s offensive consistency has been a lifeline for Cleveland, especially during stretches when injuries have tested the team’s depth. “This has been the best season of Mitchell’s career as he’s kept this team afloat at their worst and pushed them into title contention at their best,” noted a Cavs beat writer. Mitchell’s selection as an All-Star is a testament to his impact on both ends of the floor.
Jarrett Allen anchored the paint for Cleveland, finishing just shy of his fifth consecutive double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds while shooting a perfect 8-for-8 from the field. Allen’s efficiency and rim protection have been invaluable, particularly with Evan Mobley sidelined due to a calf injury. The Cavaliers were also without Max Strus and Dean Wade, but their depth was on full display as players like Nae’Qwan Tomlin, recently signed to a standard NBA contract, contributed eight points and five rebounds, including two emphatic dunks early in the fourth quarter that brought the crowd to its feet.
The Wizards, mired in a difficult season and sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, showed flashes of potential from their young core. Kyshawn George led Washington with 17 points, while Bub Carrington—who had gone over 10.5 points in nine of his last 10 games—continued to see significant playing time as the franchise prioritizes development. Coach’s decisions and injuries kept key acquisitions Trae Young and Anthony Davis sidelined, while D’Angelo Russell remained absent after refusing to report following a trade. Cam Whitmore and Jett Howard were also out due to injuries.
Despite the lopsided score, the Wizards managed to cut the deficit to single digits in the second and third quarters, thanks in part to hot shooting from Sharife Cooper and Tre Johnson. Yet each time Washington threatened, the Cavaliers responded with timely runs—often fueled by Merrill’s shooting, Mitchell’s scoring, or Harden’s playmaking. By halftime, Cleveland led 76-61, and by the start of the fourth quarter, the lead had ballooned to 108-89.
On the defensive end, Cleveland’s intensity never waned. Nae’Qwan Tomlin contributed several steals and highlight-reel dunks, while Allen and Tyson controlled the glass. The Cavaliers held the Wizards to 113 points—below Washington’s season average—and forced turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities.
For Cleveland, this victory capped a remarkable turnaround. After a rocky start to the season, the team has now won five straight and nine of their last ten, climbing the standings and entering the All-Star break with momentum. The integration of Harden alongside Mitchell, Allen, and a deep supporting cast has given the Cavaliers a new dimension, making them a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference’s playoff race.
As the All-Star break approaches, the Cavaliers will have a chance to rest and get healthy—especially with Evan Mobley expected back soon. Meanwhile, the Wizards will continue to evaluate their young talent, aiming to secure a top draft pick and build for the future. While the scoreboard told the story of a blowout, both teams left Rocket Arena with clear objectives: Cleveland eyeing a deep playoff run, and Washington focused on development and hope for next season.
With the home crowd roaring and the new-look Cavaliers firing on all cylinders, James Harden’s first game in Cleveland was a resounding success. The Cavs faithful can’t help but wonder—could this be the start of something special?