Player Grades: Cavs at Bulls – James Harden dazzles in Chicago
Harden put the team on his back tonight.
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 19: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 19, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a win over the Chicago Bulls.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. James Harden 36 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 5 turnovers This was a Harden masterpiece through three quarters. He converted multiple four-point plays and canned seven three-pointers.
His heliocentric control of the offense kept Cleveland grooving until suddenly, the Bulls found a way to disrupt his rhythm. The final quarter was hectic, but Harden made enough plays down the stretch to preserve his grade. His iso-jumper with 31 seconds left was the knockout blow.
Grade: A + Evan Mobley 26 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal Mobley made his presence known in the paint tonight. He hovered around the basket, cleaning up second-chance opportunities and crushing every lob thrown his way. Mobley posted yet another monster double-double just one game after dropping 27 points and 15 rebounds on the Bucks.