The Cavaliers posted better numbers with Donovan Mitchell playing without James Harden. Here's why Kenny Atkinson should pay attention.
King James Gospel's Creshonda Smith argues that the Cleveland Cavaliers perform significantly better when Donovan Mitchell operates without James Harden on the court. According to cited 2025-26 lineup data, Cleveland recorded a plus-9.0 net rating with Mitchell playing without Harden, compared to a plus-4.0 net rating when the pair shared the floor and a plus-3.2 rating during Harden's solo minutes.
Smith suggests head coach Kenny Atkinson must optimize Harden-led bench lineups rather than relying on isolation plays. The writer highlights Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Sam Merrill, and Jaylon Tyson as complementary options who could help elevate the offense when Mitchell rests.
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