On February 11, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Washington Wizards with a score of 138-113. This game marked James Harden's first home game in Cleveland, donning the iconic wine and gold colors. Despite a modest performance with 13 points and 11 assists, Harden's impact was evident in his second double-double in three games since his trade from the LA Clippers. The Cavaliers' victory was fueled by Sam Merrill's career-high 32 points and Donovan Mitchell's 30 points, pushing their winning streak to five games and 10 out of 11. This was the fifth time this season that Cleveland didn't trail in a game. Mitchell, currently fifth in the league in scoring, achieved his 28th 30-point game. Jarrett Allen contributed 21 points and nine rebounds. For the Wizards, Kyshawn George scored 17 points, and Jamir Watkins added 16. This game extended the Cavaliers' winning streak against the Wizards to 15 straight games since 2022, the second-longest run in franchise history. Merrill's stellar performance in the first half, making all nine of his shots from the field and including seven 3-pointers, was a historic feat, the third time in franchise history. His 17 points in the second quarter, including 12 during a 16-5 run, propelled the Cavaliers to a 74-55 lead with 2:06 remaining. The Cavaliers led 76-61 at halftime, but Washington mounted a 12-2 run to narrow the deficit to five points in the third quarter. However, the Wizards couldn't close the gap, and Cleveland steadily pulled away, taking a 108-89 lead into the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers' next game is against Brooklyn on February 19, while the Wizards will host Indiana on the same day. This game showcased the Cavaliers' resilience and depth, leaving the Wizards struggling with a three-game losing streak and four out of five. The Cavaliers' dominance over the Wizards continued, raising questions about the future of NBA rivalries and the impact of player trades. The Cavaliers' winning streak and historic performances by Merrill and Mitchell highlight the team's depth and offensive prowess. The Wizards' struggles, on the other hand, underscore the challenges of rebuilding and the importance of consistent performance in the NBA.
