James Harden’s Debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers
On February 7, 2026, James Harden made a spectacular debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading his new team to a thrilling 132-126 win over the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. The star guard was vital in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 pivotal points that secured the victory.
Postgame Interview Highlights
Following the game, Harden participated in his first postgame interview with reporter Serena Winters. The moment became unforgettable when famed rapper Travis Scott unexpectedly joined the scene.
“We’re going to the yard, what are we doing? DM, JH, what the f!”
Scott shouted as he burst onto the set, prompting laughs and cheers. This scripted chaos didn’t deter Winters, who skillfully maintained her composure, gripping the microphone firmly and seamlessly transitioning back to her interview with Harden and his teammate Donovan Mitchell after Scott exited the frame. Winters later joked about her fierce grip, stating, “You know we were always taught to never give up our mic, just never knew I was going to have to implement it with such force.”
Game Performance and Future Prospects
This dynamic encounter highlighted Harden’s relationship with Scott, who was there to cheer him on during his first outing for the Cavaliers. The Cavs’ social media even noted the rapper’s presence, sharing, “Had Travis in the building supporting on the debut!”
As for the game itself, Harden struggled initially but exploded with 20 points on an impressive 6-7 shooting in the second half, complemented by Mitchell’s strong performance of 29 points on 11-16 shooting. Their combined efforts proved crucial as they rallied to triumph over a Kings squad that seemed to lack direction.
The partnership between Harden and Mitchell raised eyebrows, and the success of their playing style will be a pivotal factor in assessing the trade’s effectiveness. Their fourth-quarter synergy, where they accounted for a spectacular 32 points, certainly bodes well for the Cavaliers moving forward, despite the humorous interruption that stole the show.
