Beard, Buckets And An F-Bomb: James Harden’s Wild Cavs Debut Ends In Chaotic Win

Last Updated:February 08, 2026, 13:04 IST

Harden’s Cavaliers debut featured a clutch win over the Sacramento Kings, big performances from Mitchell and Allen, and a wild Travis Scott cameo on live TV.

James Harden’s Cleveland Cavaliers debut had a bit of everything: a slow burn, a clutch takeover, a late-game blitz… and an unexpected cameo from Travis Scott dropping an F-bomb on live TV.

Harden and Donovan Mitchell combined to score Cleveland’s final 16 points, as the Cavs outlasted the Sacramento Kings 132–126 on Saturday night, handing Sacramento its 12th straight loss.

It wasn’t always pretty, but when it mattered most, Cleveland’s new superstar backcourt slammed the door shut.

Harden, acquired midweek from the Clippers in a blockbuster deal that sent Darius Garland west, looked a little rusty early. His jumper was quiet, his rhythm still loading.

Then the fourth quarter hit — and so did Harden.

Back-to-back three-pointers sparked a game-ending 18–5 run, flipping a tense contest firmly Cleveland’s way. Harden finished with 23 points, eight assists, and an ultra-efficient line: 7-of-13 from the floor, 5-of-8 from deep, perfect at the stripe.

Mitchell, meanwhile, was Mitchell. The All-Star guard poured in a game-high 35, scoring 29 of those in the second half, and iced the game at the line. Together, the duo went a flawless 11-for-11 on free throws, including 8-for-8 in the final 1:46. Cleveland shot 29-of-32 from the line overall.

Jarrett Allen quietly feasted inside, dropping 29 points on 11-of-12 shooting with 10 rebounds, his third straight double-double.

Sacramento didn’t go quietly. Rookie Nique Clifford exploded for a career-high 30 points, Russell Westbrook added 21, and the Kings drilled 16 threes. It still wasn’t enough.

Then came the cherry on top.

During Harden’s postgame interview, hip-hop star Travis Scott stormed in, grabbed the mic, yelled “DM! JH! What the f**k!" == and sprinted away, leaving Harden and Mitchell laughing in disbelief.

Welcome to Cleveland, James Harden.

The Cavs improved to 32–23, won their eighth game in nine, and suddenly look very serious — even if the vibes are already a bit unhinged.

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