Cavs' Donovan Mitchell, James Harden create playoff chemistry. Opinion

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks over Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 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)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 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)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 2 photos

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes around Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 and Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 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)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 2 photos

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes around Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 and Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 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)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 2 photos

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks over Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 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)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 2 photos

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 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)

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson noted Harden and Mitchell have been engaging in an ongoing dialogue throughout games. They are on the same page, and their synergy is evident on the postseason stage.

The Harden-Mitchell pairing has not been as advertised. So far, it has been better than advertised.

"To be honest, they're a problem," Raptors guard RJ Barrett said.

In Game 2, Mitchell scored 30 points on 13-of-23 shooting from the field (4 of 10 on 3-pointers) and compiled seven rebounds, five assists and a steal in 37 minutes. Harden scored 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor (3 of 8 on 3s) to go along with five rebounds, four assists, five steals and a blocked shot in 35 minutes.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden shoots a free throw during Game 2 of a 2026 first-round NBA playoff series against the the Toronto Raptors on April 20, 2026, in Cleveland.

In the Cavs' 126-113 win over the Raptors in Game 1, Mitchell scored 32 points, and Harden produced a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists.

Instead of Mitchell putting the Cavs on his shoulders in the playoffs, Harden is there to lighten the burden.

"It's definitely better on the body," said Mitchell, who was plagued by playoff injuries in 2024 and 2025.

Cavs playoffs: Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 2 recap and instant reactions

Mitchell feeling some meaningful relief is one of the greatest perks the Cavs gained when they traded point guard Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers for Harden on Feb. 3. A future Hall of Famer, Harden knows operating as a co-star is more sustainable than attempting to seize control of high-stakes games as a solo act.

"It's a lot easier," Harden said. Mitchell added, "There's a trust level between the two of us."

Mitchell made several acrobatic field goals late in the shot clock in Game 2. His turnaround fadeaway jump shot repeatedly haunted the Raptors.

Harden said Mitchell is "capable of doing the spectacular," yet Harden also pointed out the Cavs cannot afford to continue to rely on desperation shots like the ones Mitchell kept draining, especially as the series shifts to Canada.

“Whether it's him, whether it's me, whether it’s our team, we can't put ourselves in that situation, especially on the road," Harden said. "If those shots don't go in, it's a different ballgame."

Harden didn't merely issue the critique after the game. He did it in real time.

Peacock's telecast caught one example of Harden and Mitchell talking ball. Immediately after Mitchell nailed a stepback 3-pointer to inflate Cleveland's cushion to 15-7 leading into a timeout with 6:54 remaining in the first quarter, Harden made a beeline to Mitchell to discuss the play.

"There was an easier read that I didn't see that he saw," Mitchell explained.

These are two guys who are mature enough to realize the details matter.

Cavaliers news: Cavs forward Evan Mobley has plenty to prove in NBA playoffs

An 11-time All-Star, Harden is in the playoffs for the 17th time in his 17th NBA season. He has never won a championship. A seven-time All-Star, Mitchell is in the playoffs for the ninth time in his ninth NBA season. He has never advanced beyond the second round.

Harden, 36, and Mitchell, 29, have accepted the challenge to develop elite chemistry on the fly. They don't have time to allow anything important to go unsaid.

"I know we are behind, so I think what speeds that process up is communication and talking, helping each other out," Harden said.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) talks with guard James Harden (1) during Game 2 of a 2026 first-round NBA playoff series against the Toronto Raptors on April 20, 2026, in Cleveland.

Mitchell is the ultimate team player, so he wants Harden's feedback. Mitchell is also a driven competitor who loves the game. He has found a kindred spirit in Harden. They both have holes on their playoff resumes they're hungry to fill.

Whether the Cavs' new dynamic duo will be able to create magic on the fly against better Eastern Conference opponents than the Raptors warrants skepticism.

For now, the Cavs should be incredibly encouraged to see Harden and Mitchell in lockstep as they push each other to produce memorable outings like did in Game 2.

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: Donovan Mitchell, James Harden chemistry key in Cavs vs Raptors Game 2