It looks like James Harden is not having any trouble getting comfortable with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers visited the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Monday, looking for their fourth straight win. They won in Harden’s debut for the Wine and Gold, beating the Sacramento Kings, 132-126, on Saturday. Harden had 23 points and eight assists.
The Cavaliers were in a tight match against the Nuggets in the fourth quarter when Harden made a momentum-shifting play. After they stole the ball, Harden picked it up and raced to the other end. He then threw a lob to Jarrett Allen for the alley-oop jam.
When was the last time you saw Harden run that fast?
Cleveland managed to hold on for the victory, 119-117, with Donovan Mitchell sinking the game-winning free throws. Harden buried the game-tying three-pointer with 32 seconds left.
Harden finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
The Cavaliers acquired the one-time MVP in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, giving up Darius Garland and a second-round pick in return. The 36-year-old Harden wanted a two-year, $80 million extension with the Clippers, but the team refused to give it to him.
There have been concerns about Harden’s fit in Cleveland, especially teaming up with another ball-dominant star in Mitchell. But so far, the veteran guard has been a welcome addition. Allen and Evan Mobley should benefit from Harden’s playmaking. He has proven to be very dangerous when paired with an athletic pivot or a lob threat.
The Cavaliers will go for their fifth straight victory on Wednesday versus the Washington Wizards.