NBA: James Harden Makes Debut As Cavaliers Win 132-126 Over Kings

James Harden scored 23 points in his Cavaliers debut and Donovan Mitchell had 35, including a free throw that sealed the win with 35 seconds remaining, in Cleveland’s 132-126 victory over Sacramento on Saturday night that sent the Kings to their 12th straight loss. Harden was acquired by Cleveland from the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick. He shot 7 for 13, including 5 for 8 from 3-point range, and had eight assists. Jarrett Allen had 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who won for the eighth time in nine games.

Updated on: 8 February 2026 5:19 pm

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket with Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook, center, defending during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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NBA: Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) drives to the basket with Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud, right, defending during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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NBA Basketball Game: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud, left, calls for help as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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NBA Basketball Game: Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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NBA Basketball: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter, center, draws a foul on Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill, left, as he goes up for a layup during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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NBA Basketball: Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, left, blocks the ball as Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) goes up for a layup during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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NBA 2025-26: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) makes a 3-pointer over Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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NBA 2025-26: Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford (5) blocks Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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Basketball: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford (5) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, left, dive for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis

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Basketball: Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif. | Photo: AP/Sara Nevis