This has been James Harden's great debut with the Cavs

The era of James Harden with the Cleveland Cavaliers began in the best way possible in the NBA. In his first game with the franchise, the veteran guard contributed 23 points and eight assists, while Donovan Mitchell took over the closing moments with 35 points to lead Cleveland to a 132-126 victory against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.

The result extended Sacramento's tough stretch, as they now have a losing streak of 12 games, confirming the good form of the Cavaliers who have won eight of their last nine matches.

Harden, acquired on Wednesday from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, wasted no time in making an impact. The guard made 7 of 13 field goals, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc, displaying exactly the profile Cleveland was seeking: offensive playmaking, outside threat, and organizing ability.

"I just have to find my place," explained Harden after the game. "I told the guys to keep being who they are, and I will adapt. I'm good enough to fit in."

He also acknowledged that he came into the game with little practice: "I haven't had real practices, and it's the first time I played five on five in a week. I'm a bit rusty, but happy with the win."

Mitchell takes control

Although Harden brought balance, the protagonist of the late game was Donovan Mitchell.

The guard scored 29 of his 35 points in the second half and handled the decisive possessions when the game entered a close phase.

Mitchell admitted that the process of adaptation between them takes time: "With a player of that level, you need a first half to understand each other. Then, you just make decisions and play."

A promising duo

Harden was quick to return the praise, highlighting his new teammate's style: "It didn't even seem like Donovan had scored 35. He's very natural, doesn't force anything. He plays the right way." The budding chemistry between these stars is one of Cleveland's major bets for the crucial stretch of the season.

Interior contribution and Kings' fall

Jarrett Allen delivered a dominant performance with 29 points and 10 rebounds, constantly punishing the paint.

For Sacramento, Nique Clifford led with 30 points, while Russell Westbrook added 21 points and nine assists. However, the Kings once again fell short, suffering their sixth consecutive home loss.

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