How Did James Harden Do in Cavs Debut After Trade From Clippers?

James Harden made his presence felt in his debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 11-time All-Star finished with 23 points, two rebounds, eight assists and one steal in Saturday's 132-126 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Harden stepped up late in the contest as well. His long-range jumper gave Cleveland a one-point lead with 2:39 left in the fourth quarter, and he sank four free throws inside the final 30 seconds to seal the victory.

Harden Goes off in Debut

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"I just gotta figure out where I fit in," he told reporters after the game. "That won't be hard at all. I told the guys just do what you all do and I'll figure it out. I'm good enough to figure it out and insert myself in.

"But you know, no practices. This is my first time playing 5-on-5 since about a week ago, so it's a little rusty. I'm just happy we got the win."

Harden also praised teammate Donovan Mitchell, who scored a game-high 35 points.

"Tonight, you didn't even know he got 35," Harden said. "He's just so effortless; he doesn't force it. He just plays the game the right way."

The Cavaliers upgraded his status to available ahead the game, setting the stage for his first appearance for the team.

Cleveland acquired Harden in a swap with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, sending out point guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick in return.

The Clippers opened their 2025-26 campaign with a 6-21 record, but quickly responded by winning 18 of their next 24 games. Los Angeles only sits at No. 9 in the Western Conference standings, though.

Harden should have a much clearer path towards contending on the Cavs, who own the No. 4 spot in the East standings with a 32-21 record. They're also just 2.5 games back from the Boston Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the conference.

With the Clippers this season, Harden averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three-point territory.

Los Angeles owned a 118.9 offensive rating with Harden on the floor prior to the trade, dropping down to a 108.5 offensive rating with him on the bench (via NBA.com).

He'll now form an intriguing backcourt duo with Mitchell, who earned his seventh All-Star appearance this year.

The early returns are certainly encouraging.