A legendary debut! 87 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists! The Eastern Conference's strongest big three is born.

Harden’s Cavaliers debut began sluggishly with 1 of 6 shooting in the first half, then surged in the second half going 6 of 7, including two crucial consecutive three-pointers.He ultimately logged approximately 32 minutes, shooting 7 for 13 (5 for 8 from beyond the arc), and was perfect from the free-throw line with 4 for 4, tallying 23 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal.He led the Cavaliers to a 132-126 win over the Kings.

Harden’s career debut stats with each team are as follows:

Thunder: 5 points, 2 rebounds; Rockets: 37 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists; Nets: 32 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists; 76ers: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists; Clippers: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists; Cavaliers: 23 points, 1 rebound, 8 assists.

In this game,the Cavaliers’ big three combined for 87 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assistswith Mitchell scoring 35 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, Allen adding 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist, while last season’s Defensive Player of the Year Mobley missed the game due to a left calf strain.

After the game, Harden revealed in an interview that the trade idea between the Cavaliers and Clippers was proposed only a week before the deadline, and that he had discussions with Clippers management about contract guarantees, understanding that it was part of business operations.

Last offseason, Harden re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $81.5 million deal. This season, his salary is about $39.18 million, with a player option worth approximately $42.32 million for the 26-27 season, though it is not fully guaranteed (only $13.32 million is guaranteed).

The outcome is decided; there’s no need for further discussion.

At least from his debut performance, Harden clearly has ample opportunity to excel with the Cavaliers and is closer to a championship than he was with the Clippers.

So far this season, the Clippers sit 10th in the Western Conference with a 24-27 record, four games ahead of the 11th place Grizzlies; meanwhile, the Cavaliers hold fourth place in the East at 32-21, trailing the third-place Knicks by 1.5 games.

No exaggeration or criticism—the current Cavaliers roster is among the strongest in the Eastern Conference, if not the very strongest.

Harden’s last Finals appearance was back in the 2011-12 season with the Thunder; this year he has a chance to return to the Finals after 14 years and potentially compete for the championship he has long dreamed of.

In the business of the league, there is no right or wrong, only the pursuit of interests.

Congratulations to Harden & the Cavaliers, and best wishes to the Clippers.