James Harden, Donovan Mitchell
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Kenny Atkinson speaks highly of the Cleveland Cavaliers' new backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.
Despite a rough five-game stretch, the Cleveland Cavaliers look revived and determined as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
A large part of Cleveland’s 2-3 record over the last five could be due to Donovan Mitchell’s absence as he tends to a groin strain. James Harden has also dealt with a setback after fracturing his right thumb in the Cavaliers’ loss to the Detroit Pistons on Feb. 27.
Excuses to the side, Cavaliers’ head coach Kenny Atkinson gave high praise to his new and improved star backcourt.
Kenny Atkinson on Donovan Mitchell, James Harden Duo: ‘Couldn’t Have Gotten Better So Far’
Donovan Mitchell, James Harden
GettyDonovan Mitchell and James Harden continue to adjust as new teammates.
“Usually when you have that kind of synergy it goes well,” Atkinson said, via ESPN’s Jamal Collier. With them, I haven’t seen any misunderstandings or ‘You should have went there.’ They’ve been pretty locked in on the court and off the court. Couldn’t have gotten better so far.”
Harden has been leading Cleveland’s backcourt while dealing with a right thumb fracture.
The 36-year-old guard elected not to undergo surgery. Instead, Harden will play through the injury, determining that the recovery timeline would have kept him sidelined for too long.
Erik Slater
James Harden on whether he considered having surgery on his fractured thumb:
“Nah. That’s too much time out… There’s going to be some discomfort, so just figuring out ways to fight through… I got no other choice.”
Since his Cavaliers debut on Feb. 9, Harden has averaged 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, Mitchell is in line to miss his fourth straight game on Tuesday as Cleveland takes on the Detroit Pistons for the second time in three games.
What’s Donovan Mitchell’s Return Status?
James Harden, Donovan Mitchell
GettyDonovan Mitchell’s return timeline is yet to be determined.
As of now, Donovan Mitchell doesn’t have a set timetable for return.
Kenny Atkinson mentioned over the weekend that the All-Star guard’s injury won’t be long-term, according to John Hobbs of Sports Illustrated.
“We’re not going to rush anybody,” Atkinson added. “That’s against what I believe in, what Steve [Spiro, Cavs’ head athletic trainer] believes in. What our organization believes. But you, you do feel a little sense of urgency.”
Cleveland listed Max Strus, who’s yet to return from offseason foot surgery, as out. Dean Wade is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain.
After Donovan Mitchell was sidelined, the Cavaliers needed someone else to step up. Jarrett Allen has been the person to do so.
Allen, 27, has recorded 20 or more points in three straight games. Over his last 12 games, Allen has recorded nine double-doubles.
This included a 40-point, 17-rebound game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 1 and a 26-point, 14-rebound outing against the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 20.
Cavaliers Drop to No. 4 Seed in East
As a result of Cleveland’s rough patch of recent games, the New York Knicks have passed them in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Cavaliers are now the No. 4 seed and are 1.5 games behind the Knicks, who are at No. 3.
The Detroit Pistons currently hold the crown at the top of the conference (45-14), with the Boston Celtics trailing behind them at No. 2.
Harden, Allen, and the rest of the Cavaliers will look to shorten the gap as they take on the Pistons on Tuesday night.