James Harden, Travis Scott
James Harden did not need a grace period to announce himself in Cleveland. His first game in a Cavaliers uniform came with late-game control, a comeback win, and an unexpected cultural moment that quickly spread across social media.
The Cavaliers rallied past the Sacramento Kings 132-126 on Saturday night, closing the game with poise after absorbing steady pressure for most of the fourth quarter, Cleveland reports. The win marked Cleveland’s third straight victory and eighth in its last nine games, a stretch that has quietly pushed the team forward in the Eastern Conference race.
Vintage James Harden Appears
Head coach Kenny Atkinson pointed to the team’s composure as the difference.
“We have a confidence about us now,” Atkinson said. “There’s no panic. They were making incredible shots, but we kept our calm. It helps when you have James Harden and Donovan Mitchell to help close a game like that.”
Harden missed his first three attempts but never forced the issue. He finished with 23 points and eight assists in 32 minutes, with 15 of those points coming in the fourth quarter. After the game, Harden explained his mindset as he adjusts to a new roster.
“I just have to figure it out, figure out where I fit in,” Harden said. “It won’t be that hard. I told them, ‘Do what y’all do and I’ll figure it out.’”
By the final period, he had.
Travis Scott Crashes the Moment
Cleveland acquired Harden from Los Angeles in a deal that sent fan favorite Darius Garland and a future second-round pick out west. The move raised questions about fit and usage, especially alongside Mitchell. The answer came late.
Harden went perfect in the fourth quarter, drilling four field goals, knocking down three three-pointers, and converting four free throws. Back-to-back triples gave Cleveland a 122-121 lead with 2:39 remaining, flipping the game’s momentum. After the Kings tied it at 126 with under a minute left, Harden iced the win at the line in the final seconds.
Then came the viral moment.
During the postgame interview with Mitchell and Harden, Travis Scott unexpectedly jumped into the shot and grabbed the microphone, per Larry Brown Sports.
“We’re going to the young. What are we doing? DM, JH? What the f—?” Scott yelled before disappearing as quickly as he arrived.
Both guards burst into laughter as the moment ended, creating an instant highlight that matched the energy of Harden’s debut. The interruption served as an unlikely bonding point for two All-Star guards still learning how to share the floor.
Mitchell led all scorers with 35 points on 13-of-24 shooting, while Harden’s 23 came efficiently on 7-of-13. Jarrett Allen also benefited from Harden’s presence, finishing with 29 points and 10 rebounds while converting 11 of his 12 shots. Harden’s ability to draw defensive attention opened the lane for easy finishes and clean looks.
While Harden’s reputation as a ball-dominant scorer follows him, his facilitating showed immediately. Cleveland’s offense found rhythm late, and the spacing improved as the game tightened.
This remains Mitchell’s team, and that reality did not change on Saturday, per Sports Illustrated. What did change was the ceiling. Harden’s late-game control gave Cleveland another closer and another decision-maker when possessions mattered most.
With several new pieces still settling in before the postseason, Cleveland could not have scripted a cleaner first impression. Harden delivered when it counted, Mitchell stayed dominant, and an unplanned Travis Scott cameo turned the night into something Cavs fans will remember.