{"id":701764,"date":"2026-04-06T17:53:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T17:53:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/701764\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T17:53:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T17:53:14","slug":"james-hardens-impact-on-cavs-evident-in-win-over-pacers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/701764\/","title":{"rendered":"James Harden\u2019s Impact on Cavs Evident in Win Over Pacers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Donovan Mitchell exploded for 38 points in the Cleveland Cavaliers\u2019<\/a> 117-108 victory over the Indiana Pacers, but it was James Harden who continues to be that key piece of the jigsaw<\/a> that was sorely needed.<\/p>\n

Harden poured in with 28 points and once again led the way with seven assists. He went an efficient 8-for-17 from the floor, with five triples, and he added a game-high-tying three steals for good measure. <\/p>\n

His impact has the Cavs ranked third in the NBA in clutch offensive rating since Harden’s debut in early February, and in March alone, they lead the way at 146.2,<\/a> ahead of the Denver Nuggets in second.<\/p>\n

FIRE. US. UP. @JHarden13<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/C6wCoYVZqI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cGive [Harden] the ball and get out of the way,\u201d Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do some stuff, some sets, but it’s more him getting the right matchup. We have really worked on our spacing when in his [isolation] situations or pick and roll, we have worked on that. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut 99% of it is James Harden making the right play, and the willingness to make the right play, the willingness to get off it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe dictates, he’ll take what they give him, and he’ll make the right play. That, to me, wins. That’s why our clutch rating is so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, it wasn\u2019t just the scoring brilliance of Mitchell or the all-round masterclass of Harden that handed Cleveland a pivotal win in their quest for homecourt in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Bryant making the most of his opportunity \"Bryant\"<\/p>\n

Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) and forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) celebrate after a basket by Bryant during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

With Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen sidelined, the Cavaliers\u2019 depth at center stepped up in a big way.<\/p>\n

Thomas Bryant made his first start of the season count, recording his first double-double of the year against his former team. His performance helped the Cleveland Cavaliers pull away from the Pacers squad.<\/p>\n

BIG MAN SLAM. @nolimittb31<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/9aGmv93OnR<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/sgKW9sdCBd<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201c[Bryant]\u2019s a ball of energy, and that\u2019s just his spirit, that\u2019s just how he plays,\u201d said Atkinson. <\/p>\n

\u201cIf we played a pick-up game tomorrow at the practice facility, that\u2019s how he\u2019d play. He\u2019s gonna talk, and he\u2019s gonna yell and scream. But it\u2019s always great to have a good game against your former team.\u201d<\/p>\n

With less than a week remaining in the regular season, Cleveland – fresh off clinching a playoff berth in Golden State – has now won eight of its last ten games, building momentum at the right time.<\/p>\n

Bryant finished the night with 14 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, shooting 6-for-9 from the field, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. <\/p>\n

He also chipped in two assists and a block in the victory.<\/p>\n