INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers held their first full practice on Wednesday since acquiring James Harden on February 4th, signaling a renewed focus on team cohesion as they gear up for the second half of the NBA season. Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized a simplified approach to integrating Harden, aiming to build a strong foundation before adding more complex strategies.
The Cavaliers (34-21) have won all three games with Harden in the lineup and currently hold the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, just 1.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for second place, according to NBA.com. The team is 17-5 since December 29th, boasting a league-best .772 winning percentage during that stretch. Still, Atkinson stressed the require to prioritize fundamentals during the limited practice time.
“We only have one practice. I think your first reaction is, ‘Man, we’ve got to do all these things,’ but just attempt to keep dialing back and keep it as simple as possible and then kind of add as we go,” Atkinson said. “It’s like, how can we reduce it to the things that matter? I think we accomplished that.”
Harden, a 17-year veteran, has quickly adapted to his new team, averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists with two double-doubles in his first three games with Cleveland. His impact extends beyond scoring, as teammates are already recognizing his defensive contributions.
Jaylon Tyson noted his surprise at Harden’s defensive capabilities. “The offensive part, nothing’s really surprised me, but defensively, he’s actually pretty good. He got a couple blocks. He’s definitely not what you call a cone,” Tyson said.
Defensive Focus and Return of Key Players
Wednesday’s practice heavily emphasized defensive improvements. The Cavaliers currently allow opponents to shoot 37.2% from beyond the arc, tying them for the third-worst 3-point defense in the league. Atkinson indicated a return to principles established during training camp to refresh veterans and integrate newcomers like Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis.
A significant boost is expected with the potential return of Evan Mobley and Dean Wade to the lineup on Thursday. Mobley, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been sidelined for the past seven games with a left calf strain, while Wade has missed three games due to a sprained left ankle. ESPN reports that both players are likely to be available for Thursday’s game.
Mitchell Acknowledges Adjustment Period
All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, currently fifth in the league in scoring with 29.0 points per game, acknowledged the ongoing adjustment period with Harden. He emphasized the need for continued development of their on-court chemistry.
“We haven’t even gotten to playing a two-man game together and what that looks like. So I think as we build, you’ll start seeing that as well. But I think the biggest thing now is we found something that works,” Mitchell said.
The Cavaliers face a challenging stretch of five games in seven days, beginning Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets. The schedule includes a road trip to Oklahoma City on Sunday and a home game against the New York Knicks next Tuesday.
“We all have to make sure we’re locked in and ready to go,” Mitchell said. “This is no easy stretch. You can look up and be in bad shape right off the bat.”
As the Cavaliers navigate this crucial stretch, the integration of Harden and the return of key players will be pivotal in solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The team’s ability to refine their defensive strategies and build on their recent success will be closely watched as they pursue a deep postseason run.
What are your thoughts on the Cavaliers’ chances with James Harden? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below!
