Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
Brooklyn NetsOpen full analysis
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 106–102 on March 1 at Barclays Center in a defensive battle that fell short of the Vegas total of 224.5 points. James Harden led the Cavaliers with 22 points while Jarrett Allen added 20, with Cleveland shooting 48.6 percent from the field and draining 13 three-pointers. The Nets countered behind Myles Porter Jr.'s 26 points and Donovan Wolf's 23, though Brooklyn managed only 50.7 percent shooting and 11 made threes despite 27 assists. Cleveland controlled the glass with 38 rebounds to Brooklyn's 32 and seized a decisive fourth quarter, outscoring the Nets 32–27 to overcome a sluggish second quarter where they managed just 17 points. Brooklyn's defensive rating of 113.6 proved costly, while Cleveland's stingy 104.3 defensive rating anchored the road victory. The Cavaliers' balanced scoring and rebounding edge proved decisive in a low-scoring affair that underscored their improving depth as they push for playoff positioning.
