On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a commanding performance at Rocket Arena, overwhelming the Washington Wizards 138–113 to extend their Eastern Conference momentum heading into the All-Star break.
🔥 Sam Merrill’s Historic Night
The star of the show was Sam Merrill, who exploded for a career-high 32 points and knocked down nine 3-pointers, many of them in the first half where he was perfect from the field (9-for-9).
His shooting display — including a barrage of threes — helped Cleveland jump ahead early and maintain control throughout the night.
⭐ Donovan Mitchell Continues Elite Season
Donovan Mitchell added 30 points, marking his 28th 30-point game of the season, and provided steady leadership on offense as the Cavaliers rolled.
His consistent scoring and playmaking continued to fuel Cleveland’s rise in the standings.
🎩 James Harden’s Home Debut for Cavs
In his first home game with Cleveland after joining via trade, James Harden posted 13 points and 11 assists, giving the Cavaliers another playmaker and floor-spreader to complement Mitchell and Merrill despite an off-shoot night.
His performance included smart setups and veteran savvy that energized the Cavs’ offense.
🛡️ Contributions All Around
Jarrett Allen was a force inside with 21 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing efficiency and interior strength.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin and others added hustle plays, including highlight-reel dunks and defensive stands.
🧨 Game Flow & Key Runs
Cleveland jumped out quickly, never trailing and building a lead they expanded quarter by quarter.
The Cavaliers led by double digits all night, cruising to a 138-113 final score.
Washington made sporadic pushes, but Cleveland’s offensive balance and relentless scoring proved decisive.
📉 Wizards Struggles Continue
For the Washington Wizards, Kyshawn George led the team with 17 points and Jamir Watkins added 16, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Cavs’ firepower.
The loss dropped Washington further in the standings and underscored ongoing challenges for the rebuilding roster.
🏀 Looking Ahead
Cavaliers: Head into the All-Star break with a growing winning streak and a boost in confidence as they position themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Wizards: Turn their focus to upcoming matchups as they look to build consistency and develop for the future.
For highlights from this game, check out the NBA’s official recap video which captures Merrill’s sharpshooting, Mitchell’s scoring bursts, and Harden’s new era in Cleveland:
