Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was on hand to witness the Cleveland Browns’ hard-fought win against the Carolina Panthers, 21-18, at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson sparked their fourth-quarter surge, including a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. with only 1:48 left in the nail-biting contest. Watson went 16-of-30 for 144 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also had 11 carries for 45 yards.
Cleveland improved to 2-1, while Carolina fell to 1-2.
As he was exiting the venue, Harden gave a shoutout to the returning quarterback, as shown in the video posted by WKYC 3News’ Chris Renkel.
“Deshaun Watson, baby!” exclaimed Harden.
‘’Deshaun Watson baby!’’
Cavs Guard James Harden hyped up after the Browns beat the Panthers! pic.twitter.com/9RozSDWt6B
— Chris Renkel (@Chris_Renkel) September 27, 2026
Watson, who sat out last season due to an Achilles injury, remained composed despite his lackluster start against the Panthers. According to a report from the Associated Press’ Joe Reedy, the three-time Pro Bowler notched his 10th fourth-quarter comeback and game-winning drive.
Watson, meanwhile, described his late-game heroics as a “warm moment.”
“I got a little teary-eyed feeling that energy because I put so much work to get back here, to be in this moment, to show that I can finish these games and get Ws for the city and this organization,” said Watson.
Harden will also try to get wins for the city, as he enters his first full season with the Cavaliers, especially after signing a three-year, $97 million contract extension. Plus, he will try to redeem himself after faltering in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.
In 26 games with the Cavaliers, the former MVP averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. He shot 43.5% from three-point range.
Cleveland will open its training camp on September 30 in Spain.