CLEVELAND — James Harden used the term "ball hawk" while answering a question about the Cavaliers forcing the Toronto Raptors into a season-high 22 turnovers during Game 2 on April 20 at Rocket Arena.
Sitting next to Harden during a joint postgame news conference, fellow Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell interjected to ensure Harden did not plan on transforming into a ball hog.
"Hog or hawk?" Mitchell asked with a chuckle. “Hawk, like attack the ball," Harden said before cracking a smile and continuing his answer.
Communication between NBA stars who join forces is vital. It's also a huge reason the fourth-seeded Cavs captured a 115-105 wire-to-wire win over the fifth-seeded Raptors and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series. Game 3 is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in Toronto.
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)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)1 / 3Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 2 photosCLEVELAND, 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)1 / 3Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 2 photosCLEVELAND, 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)2 / 3Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 2 photosCLEVELAND, 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)3 / 3Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 2 photosCLEVELAND, 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.
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."
Love to see James Harden and Donovan Mitchell working together on the floor. 👏📺 NBCSN and Peacock pic.twitter.com/pe8A9FA6jC
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) April 20, 2026
Harden didn't merely issue the critique after the game. He did it in real time.