Cavaliers unveil new lineup and dominate coming out of All-Star break

Reds' Sal Stewart wins NL Rookie of the Year

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Cavaliers unveil new lineup and dominate coming out of All-Star break

Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Fri, Feb 20, 2026 ·

5 min read

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CLEVELAND — With a brand-new starting lineup ready to roll, the Cavaliers had no time for a lull coming out of the NBA All-Star break .

The Brooklyn Nets (15-39) felt the repercussions as the Cavs (35-21) dominated en route to a 112-84 victory on Feb. 19 at Rocket Arena .

Forwards Evan Mobley and Dean Wade returned from calf and ankle injuries, respectively, allowing the Cavs to use them with recently acquired point guard James Harden for the first time. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and center Jarrett Allen were the other starters in the wire-to-wire triumph. The Cavs led 34-16 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back as they extended their winning streak to six games — Cleveland's longest stretch of prosperity this season.

"I'm super confident," Mobley said. "I think we have a great team. A lot of new guys came in — whole new team. But I think everyone's clicking very well."

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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. 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. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

(Lachlan Cunningham, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland, who was acquired earlier in the day in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sits in the stands to watch a game against the Cavs on Feb. 4, 2026, in Inglewood, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 is doused with water by teammate Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. 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. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)

Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 and Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

Jan 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 24: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic collects a rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. 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. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)

Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket while guarded by Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller on Jan. 21, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.\
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 19: Guard Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on January 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 16: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, center, drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers defenders Joel Embiid, left, and Kelly Oubre Jr. on Jan. 14, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)

Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'qwan Tomlin (35) goes for a loose ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) blocks the shot of Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the first half, Jan. 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
(Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) looks to pass while being defended by Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Dec 29, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
(Daniel Dunn, Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images)

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter during the second half, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston.
(Troy Taormina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots the ball during the first quarter as Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends at Madison Square Garden in New York on Dec. 25, 2025.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter celebrates after a second-half dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans, Dec. 23, 2025, Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dec 22, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson tries to get the attention of referee Natalie Sago (9) in the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) loses the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) on Dec. 19, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)

Dec 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) chase the ball during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, Matt Marton-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 14, 2025, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Dec 12, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jamir Watkins (5) dunks the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
(Geoff Burke, Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Dec 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) works against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) defends Dec. 5, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter rebounds in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers, Dec. 3, 2025, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dec 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) looses the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)

Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) passes during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) reaches for the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Quan Tomlin (35) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
(Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luke Travers (33) comes down with a rebound against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
(John E. Sokolowski, John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin (35) blocks the shot of Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden on Nov. 23, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Nov 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) loses the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket against Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Nov 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives between Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and guard Immanuel Quickley (5) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. shoots over Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat during the first half, Nov. 12, 2025 in Miami.
(Carmen Mandato, Getty Images)

Nov 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) fight for a loose ball during the first period at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
(Rhona Wise, Rhona Wise-Imagn Images)

Nov 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes up for a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mitchell missed the dunk. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton chase a loose ball in the second half of a NBA Cup game, Nov. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
(Geoff Burke, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) brings the ball up court in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Arena.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 2, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends a shot by Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward/guard De'Andre Hunter (12) and Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) work for the ball in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
(David Butler II, David Butler II-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) dunks as Detroit Pistons' Tolu Smith looks on Oct. 27, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Oct 24, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) blocks a shot taken by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
(Wendell Cruz, Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)

Oct 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) hangs on the rim after a dunk against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

James Harden says coach Kenny Atkinson had the Cleveland Cavaliers focused on the heels of the NBA All-Star break

Mitchell led the Cavs with a game-high 17 points and added five assists. Harden compiled 16 points and nine assists. Allen posted his 14th double-double this season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Wade had 11 points on a perfect shooting night (4 of 4 from the field, including 3 of 3 on 3-pointers). Mobley finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.

None of them played in the fourth quarter because business had been handled the way Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson had hoped it would be. The Cavs led the Nets 102-67 at the end of the third quarter.

"Coach told us before the break, he said, 'This is a different break. We're preparing for something,'" Harden said. "So I think all the guys listened to him, they put the work in and the comeback was seamless. Obviously, we've got a long way to go, but we're heading in the right direction."

Cavs injury report: Cavaliers small forward Max Strus is expected to return during 2025-26 regular season

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after a dunk against the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 19, 2026, in Cleveland.

Donovan Mitchell's one-handed dunk on an alley-oop from James Harden gives new Cavs guard tandem a memorable moment

Mitchell finished with a game-best 37 in plus-minus rating, yet a one-handed dunk he threw down with 8:46 left in the first quarter on an alley-oop lob from Harden proved to be even more impressive.

"That's a special pass," Mitchell said. "He knew to put it there, knew to act like he was shooting it and I'm definitely putting that one on the wall, for sure."

NFL Scouting Combine: Cleveland Cavaliers wing Jaylon Tyson has advice for his football player brother Jordyn

Harden also assisted on two of Wade's 3s.

"I don't know how many open shots I've shot in my life, but I was so open," Wade said. "... Two of them, there was nobody on my side of the court. [Harden] makes the right reads every time. My job's pretty easy to stay out of the way, and when I'm open, shoot the ball."

Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) on Feb. 19, 2026, in Cleveland.

The Cleveland Cavs improved to 4-0 with James Harden

The Cavs improved to 4-0 with Harden and 5-0 with their two other recent trade pickups, guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis . Coming off the bench, Schroder had 12 points, wing Jaylon Tyson had 11 and Ellis had seven.

In Atkinson's book, the best aspect of the win was the chance to see a starting lineup he had been eagerly anticipating. Mobley had missed the previous seven games and Wade the previous three.

"I think that's our best defensive lineup, and if Dean Wade makes shots like that, it makes it an incredible lineup," Atkinson said. "So I know it's another different lineup, right? But they seem to have figured it out. James has good flow with that lineup."

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) tries to block the pass of Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) on Feb. 19, 2026, in Cleveland.

Forward Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field (1 of 6 on 3s) in 21 minutes. Porter entered the game averaging 25 points this season, but the Cavs assigned Wade to guard Porter and were delighted with the outcome. The Nets' 84 points were the lowest point total allowed by the Cavs this season.

With the Cavs revamped before the Feb. 5 trade deadline and healthier as of late, Atkinson explained he sensed "a renewed energy, a belief" among his players.

"They know we've got something good going on," Atkinson said. "We brought in guys that are going to help us. And now we've got to confirm it, right? I'm not going to sit up here after four games or whatever and say we're this juggernaut. We still have a lot to prove. But I think the early returns with our spirit and our confidence and our aggressiveness is really good."

Cavs game today

The next test for the Cavs is a back-to-back. They will visit the Charlotte Hornets (26-30) at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20.

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com . On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs clicking, confident with recent moves, players back from injuries

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