The Cleveland Cavaliers concluded their challenging five-game Western Conference road trip with a stunning 119-117 comeback victory over the Denver Nuggets. Trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, the Cavs' dynamic backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden delivered a series of late-game heroics to secure the win.
For most of the contest, the Cavaliers struggled to close the gap, with Denver maintaining control. However, Cleveland's potent half-court offense, spearheaded by Mitchell and Harden, proved unstoppable down the stretch. Jarrett Allen scored consecutive crucial baskets to cut the deficit to one point with just over a minute remaining.
James Harden then tied the game with a difficult step-back three-pointer with 32 seconds left. Finally, Donovan Mitchell drew a foul in the closing second and calmly sank both free throws to provide the final margin of victory.
Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points and 10 assists, while Harden orchestrated the offense, contributing 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Harden's playmaking was pivotal, consistently creating opportunities for teammates like Allen, who added 22 points and 13 rebounds. Despite a triple-double from Denver's Nikola Jokic (22 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists), the Cavaliers' resilience and key defensive stops sealed the dramatic win.