New-look Cavaliers backcourt is a resounding success in playoffs

The Cleveland Cavaliers made dramatic changes to their starting backcourt at the trade deadline. Two games into the playoffs, the partnership of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden is working out beautifully.

Mitchell and Harden combined to score 58 points in Cleveland's 115-105 win over the Toronto Raptors, giving them a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. Harden has validated the Cavaliers' trade after their blockbuster acquisition of the former MVP.

James Harden and Donovan Mitchell are a devastating duo

The Raptors weren't terrible on defense Monday night, forcing 12 turnovers, holding Cleveland to 32 percent three-point shooting and limiting the Cavaliers' role players. But they couldn't get consistent stops as they tried to mount a comeback, largely due to Mitchell and Harden.

The Cavs' starting backcourt shot 7-for-18 from three-point range, more than half of the team's total. Harden went 9-for-14 from the floor and Mitchell was 13-for-23, meaning the duo made 59.5 percent of their shots. That's simply back-breaking for an opposing defense.

In Game 1, Mitchell scored 32 points and Harden added 22 points and 10 assists. The Raptors simply don't have the defensive personnel to slow down the Cavaliers' guards, especially with Immanuel Quickley out with an injury.

Scottie Barnes was frustrated by guarding James Harden

Guarding Harden is a frustrating endeavor for anyone, due to his shot-making and his uncanny ability to draw fouls. Harden fans would call it smart basketball, while his detractors would call it flopping.

In the second quarter, Harden appeared to push off Scottie Barnes, who, in turn, appeared to exaggerate the contact. Harden's shot bounced three times and eventually went in.