Cavs’ James Harden puts doubts to rest with solid preseason vs. Magic

The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by James Harden, notched their first win in the preseason after drubbing the Orlando Magic, 119-105, at Rocket Arena on Sunday.

The Cavaliers bounced back after losing to the Boston Celtics, 124-113, on Thursday.

For the first time, Cleveland paraded its starting unit of Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Harden sat out against the Celtics.

Versus the Magic, the 37-year-old guard had a game-high 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 26 minutes.

It was an encouraging sign, showing that the former MVP is still at the top of his game and, most importantly, fully committed to the Cavaliers. He signed a three-year, $97 million contract extension in  September after a long-drawn-out negotiation.

Harden is seeking redemption after his mediocre performance in last season’s playoffs, particularly in the conference finals against the New York Knicks. He averaged 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, as the Cavaliers were swept in the best-of-seven series.

He grabbed attention by claiming that they were the “better team” despite losing to the Knicks, although he admitted that there is “another level to get to,” as reported by Sports Illustrated’s Brian Schaible.

In 26 games with the Wine and Gold, the 11-time All-Star averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. He showed that he can coexist with Mitchell and be the facilitator for Mobley and Allen. They should mesh even better now that they have spent a whole offseason together.

Allen had 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 27 minutes against the Magic, while Mitchell added 11 points, five rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 26 minutes.