Cavs needed more from James Harden, supporting cast against Knicks

Donovan Mitchell scored 37 points against the Knicks. James Harden and Evan Mobley combined for 19.

That’s a difficult way for the Cavs to beat the defending champions, particularly when they’re already short on available bodies.

Chase Brownawell of Cavaliers On SI identified Harden’s struggles and the rebounding deficit⁠ among the biggest problems in Saturday’s 109-97 loss. Both deserve attention.

Harden finished with seven points on 2-of-9 shooting. The Cavs don’t need him to carry the scoring, but with Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson unavailable, they needed considerably more.

The Knicks also collected 16 offensive rebounds, producing 26 second-chance points. Getting a stop doesn’t help much if the possession keeps going.

Brownawell also questioned whether Mitchell’s fourth-quarter scoring burst came too late. Mitchell scored 21 in the period, but the Cavs never quite made the comeback feel likely.

Still, pinning that on Mitchell’s timing is a tougher sell. The larger issue was how little scoring came around him. He supplied 21 of the team’s 27 fourth-quarter points.

As covered in our postgame Dribbles⁠, the injuries and rest disadvantage were legitimate factors. The Cavs had played the Sixers on Friday. The Knicks had been off since Wednesday.

That context matters. So does recognizing where the Cavs needed to be better.

At 5-5, they have plenty to address and 72 games to address it. Monday’s visit to Charlotte offers the next opportunity.