Cavs need vintage James Harden performance to sneak past Bulls 115-110

Mar 19, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) makes a three-point basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images The Cleveland Cavaliers did what they were supposed to do for three quarters. They dominated a shorthanded and tanking Chicago Bulls team by getting out to a 29-point lead midway through the third quarter.

But their lack of focus got the best of them once again. The Cavaliers allowed the Bulls to make this a one-point game late in the fourth quarter, before finally putting things away and securing the 115-110 victory. The Bulls opened the evening with a quick 11-2 run to open the game — fueled by a made three and four assists from Josh Giddey.

This led Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson to take a quick timeout three minutes into the action because of the poor defensive effort. The Cavaliers came out of that timeout on a 24-6 run, which included a seven-point possession from James Harden. Harden’s scoring carried the Cavs through the first quarter.

He poured in 16 points on 4-9 shooting with three assists in the opening frame to give Cleveland a 10-point advantage after one. The Cavaliers proceeded to seemingly put the game away in the second quarter. They went on a 19-0 run from the end of the first to the beginning of the second that stretched their lead to 23.