James Harden was one of the reasons behind the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ 119-117 comeback win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night at the Ball Arena. The 11-time NBA All-Star, who arrived in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick during the trade deadline, finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks on 7-for-16 shooting from the field in 36 minutes of action.
Harden’s all-around performance naturally drew plaudits from Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, who heaped praise on him during his postgame press conference.
“We had a belief, even when we were down. I thought our end-of-game execution was pretty much perfect for the big plays we had to make… High IQ. Player elite IQ. That helps everything. He puts the chess pieces there. He’s coached the guys through,” Atkinson said of Harden.
“That was vintage James Harden. It’s an absolute luxury. I think James’ (Harden) arrival, it’s been two games, but I think it’s given Don (Mitchell) a different energy. He knows we’re pretty good now. He knows we got a chance,” he added.
Cleveland Cavaliers News: James Harden discusses their comeback victory vs. Denver Nuggets
James Harden took time to praise his new Cleveland Cavaliers teammates after their 119-117 road win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. During his postgame interview, he also said he’s pumped for his first home game against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
“Donovan (Mitchell) just gave me the ball multiple times down the stretch & trusted me to make a play… He can go out there & average 35 points a game, but the willingness to pass and be unselfish, it’s a testament to who he is and what type of basketball player he is,” Harden stated.
“Unbelievable job. Rolling, finishing around the rim. Fighting Jokic down on the other end of the floor. Anything we ask him to do, he’s done it,” he continued about Jarrett Allen. “I’m happy to be a part of this group… It’s go time.”
