James Harden's Cleveland Cavaliers debut was a success.
James Harden made his Cleveland Cavaliers debut on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings and the future Hall of Famer's first game with the Wine and Gold was a success.
The Cavaliers beat the Kings by a final score of 132-126. Harden played 32 minutes and finished with 23 points and eight assists while shooting 7-of-13 from the field, 5-of-8 from 3 and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.
"I just gotta figure out where I fit in," Harden said. "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."
The Cavaliers acquired Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden wanted to play with Donovan Mitchell, who put up 35 points against the Kings.
"When you have a guy who's established like that ... it takes that little bit of -- not awkwardness because I've known him, but it's one of those things when you're trying to figure it out, it took a half to be like, 'OK,'" Mitchell said. "It's a testament to him; it's a testament to our group. And it's not just me; it's everybody. You just continue to take steps, and then when it was time for the fourth quarter, you just pick and choose."
The Cavaliers now have a "Big 4" of Harden, Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Harden is still searching to win his first NBA championship, while Mitchell, Allen and Mobley have never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.
Harden made the NBA Finals back in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lost to the Miami Heat in five games.
Harden is making $39.4 million this season, with $13.3 million of his $42.3 million salary for next season guaranteed. Harden had sought more security in negotiations with the Clippers last offseason, but Los Angeles declined to offer him a longer-term deal because of his age and an organizational prioritization of long-term flexibility.
The Cavaliers are expected to sign Harden to a new contract this offseason.
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