Sacramento, California– james harden scored 23 points in Cavaliers debut, and Donovan Mitchell Scored 35 runs to give Cleveland the lead. win 132-126 Above Sacramento On Saturday night, the Kings suffered their 12th consecutive defeat.
Harden was acquired by Cleveland LA Clippers on wednesday for darius garland And a second-round draft pick.
Harden made 7 of 13 shots, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range, and recorded eight assists against Sacramento.
“I just have to figure out where I fit in,” Harden said. “It won’t be hard at all. I told the guys to just do what y’all do and I’ll figure it out. I’m good enough to figure it out and get myself into it.
“But you know, no practice. It’s my first time playing 5-on-5 since about a week ago, so it’s a little rough. I’m just happy we got the win.”
Mitchell, who scored 29 of his points in the second half, said he and Harden needed the first few quarters to feel each other out on the court:
“When you have someone who is established like that… it takes a little bit – not weird because I know him, but it’s one of those things when you’re trying to figure it out, it takes a little bit to be like, ‘Okay.’
“It’s a testament to him; it’s a testament to our group. And it’s not just me; it’s everybody. You just keep taking steps, and then when it’s time to the fourth quarter, you just pick and choose.”
Harden also praised the way Mitchell played on Saturday night, calling his style “very, very unselfish.”
“Tonight, you didn’t even know he got 35,” Harden said. “He’s absolutely natural; he doesn’t force it. He just plays the game the right way.”
jarrett allen Posted 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who won for the eighth time in nine games.
Nick Clifford Sacramento took the lead by scoring 30 points, having not won since defeating washington wizards On January 16 at home. Russell Westbrook Added 21 points and nine assists for the Kings, who have lost six straight at home.
The Cavs led 57–55 at halftime, but the Kings took the lead 96–93 in the third quarter.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
