NBA: James Harden scores 36 as Cavs hang on against Bulls

James Harden knocked down seven 3-pointers on his way to 36 points, Evan Mobley added 26 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers held off a furious second-half rally to beat the host Chicago Bulls 115-110 on Thursday.

Cleveland (43-27) used early 16-5 and 19-0 runs to build what was a double-digit lead for much of the night. The Cavaliers' advantage swelled to 29 behind Harden delivering his highest scoring total since joining Cleveland in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, and his most made 3-pointers with the club on 13 attempts.

Harden has proved pivotal with Cavaliers scoring leader Donovan Mitchell scratched from the lineup shortly before tipoff. Mitchell, who is averaging 28.0 points per game, sustained an eye injury in practice.

Chicago (28-42), one night removed from a 30-point loss to Toronto, came storming back. The Bulls sliced the deficit down to 20 going into the fourth quarter, then erupted for a 20-4 run that cut the deficit to two midway through the final period.

Guerschon Yabusele was a catalyst for the rally, scoring all 10 of his points off the bench in the fourth quarter. He added 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Leonard Miller added another 10 points in reserve duty and Rob Dillingham led the Chicago bench unit with 17 points. The trio helped the Bulls to a 43-22 advantage for bench points, and contributed to a balanced all-around effort for Chicago in its near-comeback.

Tre Jones led the Bulls with 20 points, Nick Richards scored 16 and Josh Giddey dished a career-high 19 assists.

Chicago's balance was not enough to overcome Harden's outburst and Mobley's efficiency. Mobley shot 12 of 19 from the floor (63.1%) and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds.

Mobley was one of two Cavaliers to record a double-double, with Jaylon Tyson adding 18 points and 11 rebounds, helping fill the frontcourt absence of injured center Jarrett Allen (right knee tendonitis).

—Field Level Media/Reuters