CLEVELAND — Wednesday night was the 175th consecutive sold-out Cleveland Cavaliers game at Rocket Arena.
What You Need To Know
James Harden made his home debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Wednesday night
Harden scored 13 points and tallied 11 assists and four rebounds in a 138-113 win over the Washington Wizards
Cavaliers fans think the trade for Harden elevates the team’s chances to win a championship.
This time, the crowd looked a little different, holding up beards to pay homage to the newest Cavalier, James Harden.
“Glad to have him in the city,” Cavaliers fan Miles Nevin said. “I think he’s going to be a huge contributor.”
Nevin thinks Harden could be the X-factor for a Cavaliers team that’s hoping to get back to the NBA Finals for the first time in eight years.
“I think Harden’s got a lot to give,” stated Nevin. “He’s chasing a championship. I think that’s a that’s a key component. I think he’s got a team around him who knows how to win.”
Other fans took longer to accept the trade of fan favorite Darius Garland that broke up the team’s “Core Four.”
“Shocked at first, I didn’t agree,” said Cavaliers fan Jason Grunkemeyer.
After seeing Harden in action with the wine and gold, Grunkemeyer changed his tune.
“The team’s on fire now,” said Grunkemeyer. “They just have to learn how to play together. I think we got a real shot this year.”
Harden has the ninth-most points in NBA history, is an 11-time all-star and a former MVP but joins Cleveland at 36-years-old. Fans hope he doesn’t join a list of former stars like Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade, who played for Cleveland in the back half of their careers and didn’t pan out.
“He’s still playing at a super high level, very high level,” Grunkemeyer stated. “You mentioned some of the other players. They were on the downturn of their career. Harden is rare. He’s 36, and he’s still playing all-star basketball.”
Harden has his own fanbase and is bringing some to Rocket Arena for the first time.
“He’s one of the best players in the league at creating offense and getting people open,” said fan Doug Sartain. “I mean I never really rooted for the Cavs and now I’ll root for them. He’ll definitely make the team a lot better.”
Harden waived his trade clause with the Los Angeles Clippers to play with Cleveland. It’s something that’s not lost on Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman.
“I’ve been banging this drum for a long time,” said Altman.”Cleveland’s a great basketball destination. One of the best players to ever put on a jersey wants to be here in Cleveland. I think it’s a privilege and honor that we’re going to see James surpass a bunch of milestones as he chases this championship ring with us.”
So far, so good for Harden and the Cavaliers who are 3-0 since his acquisition and are riding a five-game win streak heading into the NBA All-Star break.
The Cavaliers are hoping this new core four of Harden, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen is enough to get them over the top in the Eastern Conference and bring a championship back to this city of Cleveland exactly ten years after the franchise won its first title.