The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Washington Wizards 138-111, winning their five straight and 10 of their last 11 on Wednesday night.
Sam Merrill scored a career-high 32, Donovan Mitchell added 30, and James Harden had 13 points and 11 assists in 28 minutes in his first home game for the Cavs.
Mitchell had his 28th 30-point game, being the fifth in the league in scoring at 29.0 points per game. Jarrett Allen had 21 points and nine rebounds.
On the other hand, Kyshawn George had 17 points and Jamir Watkins 16, dropping three straight and four of five for the Wizards.
Cleveland has won 15 straight games over the Wizards since 2022, the second-longest run against a team in franchise history.
Merrill had 26 points in the first half, making all nine of his shots from the field, including seven three-pointers.
It was the third time in franchise history that a player had been perfect when making nine or more shot attempts in the first half.
The Cavaliers led 76-61 at halftime, but Washington started the second half with a 12-2 run to get within five. Washington would not draw closer, though, and Cleveland steadily pulled away, taking a 108-89 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Both teams will play home games after the break: the Wizards host the Pacers, while the Cavaliers host the Nets.
