Quick Read
- The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Denver Nuggets 119-117 on February 9, 2026, in Denver.
- Donovan Mitchell scored the game-winning free throws with 0.9 seconds left, finishing with 32 points and 10 assists.
- James Harden, in his second game with the Cavs, hit a clutch tying three-pointer and contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
- The Cavaliers secured their fourth straight win and ninth in ten games, despite playing without key starters.
- Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double for the Nuggets with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in a losing effort.
DENVER (Azat TV) – The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a resounding statement about their new direction, securing a dramatic 119-117 come-from-behind victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, February 9, 2026. This hard-fought win, clinched by star guard Donovan Mitchell with just 0.9 seconds left on the clock, marked the Cavaliers’ fourth consecutive triumph and their ninth in the last ten outings, emphatically signaling the immediate and significant impact of the nascent James Harden era.
Playing their final game of an arduous 12-day, five-city road trip in the challenging Denver altitude, and without key starters Evan Mobley and Dean Wade, the Cavaliers demonstrated remarkable resilience against a formidable championship contender. Head coach Kenny Atkinson had framed the matchup as a test of toughness, a challenge his team ultimately embraced and overcame with a near-perfect close to the game.
Cavaliers’ Clutch Comeback in Denver
The Cavaliers’ victory was anything but straightforward. After an early 6-0 run, Cleveland quickly lost momentum, trailing for nearly 21 minutes in the first half. The Nuggets extended their lead to 11 points early in the fourth quarter, matching their largest advantage of the night. However, the Cavaliers refused to yield, steadily chipping away at the deficit.
Cleveland’s methodical comeback culminated in a thrilling final minute. With 32 seconds remaining, James Harden, in only his second game with the Cavaliers, drained a patented step-back three-pointer to tie the game at 117. Following a missed go-ahead three from Nuggets reserve Tim Hardaway Jr., Mitchell seized the opportunity. Driving to the basket, he drew a crucial foul with 0.9 seconds left, calmly sinking both free throws to give Cleveland its third lead of the entire game – and the one that mattered most. Nikola Jokic’s desperate last-second shot fell short, igniting a jubilant celebration from the Cavaliers on the court, reminiscent of a major upset, as reported by Cleveland.com.
Coach Atkinson praised his team’s composure, noting his decision not to call a timeout on the final possession. “We go in those situations,” Atkinson stated, trusting Mitchell to make the play in the flow of the game.
Harden-Mitchell Duo’s Immediate Impact
The win underscored the emerging synergy between Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, forming what many are already calling one of the most talented backcourts in the NBA, according to Sports Illustrated. Mitchell finished with a game-high 32 points and 10 assists, including the decisive free throws. His aggressive start saw him score 13 points in the first quarter, adapting to Denver’s defensive adjustments in the second half by facilitating for his teammates.
James Harden, acquired in a recent franchise-altering trade, contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. His clutch three-pointer to tie the game was a highlight, showcasing the offensive firepower he brings to Cleveland. Harden’s all-around effort, including 3 blocks and crucial rebounds, proved vital in a game where the Cavaliers struggled on the glass, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
Beyond the star duo, Jarrett Allen continued his dominant run, recording his fourth consecutive double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds while effectively challenging Jokic defensively. Jaylon Tyson, battling an ankle injury, added 16 points, including two timely triples that fueled the comeback, further illustrating the team’s depth and collective effort despite injuries to Evan Mobley (calf strain), Dean Wade (ankle), and Max Strus (offseason foot surgery).
Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Triple-Double Not Enough
For the Denver Nuggets, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, marking their fourth defeat in their last five games. Despite playing without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson due to hamstring strains, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic delivered another stellar performance, logging his 35th triple-double of the season and 183rd of his career. Jokic amassed 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, inching closer to Russell Westbrook’s all-time record, as noted by Sports Illustrated.
Denver’s offense was balanced, with seven players scoring in double digits. Christian Braun and Julian Strawther each contributed 20 points, while star point guard Jamal Murray added 17 points and 11 assists. However, the Nuggets’ inability to close out the game, despite leading for nearly 43 minutes, proved costly. A crucial missed go-ahead three-pointer by Tim Hardaway Jr. and a late foul by Murray ultimately paved the way for Cleveland’s dramatic win, as reported by Akron Beacon Journal.
The Cavaliers’ improbable victory in Denver, fueled by the immediate impact of James Harden and the established brilliance of Donovan Mitchell, provides strong evidence that the team is quickly coalescing into a resilient, clutch-performing unit. This win, achieved under challenging circumstances, suggests a significant shift in the team’s competitive posture and marks a definitive step forward in the ‘Harden Era.’