Getting accustomed already, this is the Cleveland version of Harden.

If the close win against the Kings in the previous game didn’t count as a meaningful victory, then today’s comeback win over the Nuggets is Harden’s most powerful declaration since arriving at Cleveland.

For the first three quarters and much of the final period, the Cavaliers remained behind. Harden was slow to warm up in both games, spending the early parts mostly watching his teammates and seldom controlling the ball to execute pick-and-roll plays. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Harden took over ball control and shifted into his most familiar mode.

Harden’s arrival has greatly eased the ball-handling burden on Mitchell. Garland can share some of the playmaking duties but is less reliable, whereas Harden is a true master of ball control. In the final quarter, he dished out four assists and punished the Nuggets’ defensive strategy of double-teaming.

Additionally, Harden hit two three-pointers in the fourth quarter, especially the tying three-pointer with 31.4 seconds left. Harden dribbled consecutively at a 45-degree angle, stepped back for a three, and was fouled as he released the shot. This should have been a 3+1 opportunity, and it’s likely the referees’ report tomorrow (if there is one) will confirm this.

Harden and Mitchell took turns leading the game; Harden tied it up, and Mitchell sealed the win with free throws. This is the Cavaliers’ ideal state. Their foundation is offense, but so far this season, they rank tenth in offensive efficiency and sixteenth in three-point shooting percentage in the league.

Today’s comeback against the Nuggets was still driven by offense. With Mobley out, the Cavaliers’ rotation mostly consists of guards, which has weakened their defense but increased their three-point shooting threats. The Cavaliers made 15 three-pointers today. When Harden and Mitchell run pick-and-rolls, the Nuggets selectively leave the wings open to double-team, creating those three-point opportunities.

It’s worth noting that Harden probably hasn’t had much time to practice extensively with the team. The Cavaliers are currently on a road trip, leaving little time for team practice. You can see Harden still getting familiar with his new teammates on the court, observing in the first three quarters and then taking charge in the fourth.

In the last game, Harden had 23 points and 8 assists, hitting two crucial three-pointers and making four free throws with steady accuracy; today, he posted 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, delivering a clutch shot 2.0. Unconsciously, we seem to be getting used to this Cleveland version of Harden.

It remains to be seen if Harden will increase his ball-handling share in the first three quarters as he grows more familiar with his new teammates. But at least Atkinson’s current way of using Harden is correct, because Harden’s ongoing challenge has always been stamina, and with the Cavaliers, he can conserve energy in the early parts of the game.

You can even see Harden getting some open catch-and-shoot three-point chances, though he still seems a bit unfamiliar with shooting when defenders aren’t immediately in front of him. With the Clippers, Harden often used up 80% of his energy in the first half and disappeared completely in the second half.

With the Cavaliers, Harden can allocate his energy for the final quarter, handing the ball to Mitchell in the first three quarters. Mitchell is also willing to let Harden lead the offense in the fourth. Harden even defended Jokic’s post-up in the Nuggets’ last possession, forcing Jokic to pass instead. This kind of luxury energy reserve was almost unseen with the Clippers.

On Harden’s crucial step-back three-pointer at the end, Mitchell said, “I’ve witnessed many moments like this before.” These two faced off frequently in the Western Conference playoffs, and now seeing Harden and Mitchell team up in the East feels truly dreamlike.

Harden is 36 years old and knows better than anyone that his final peak years are just one or two more seasons, so he can’t afford to wait. The Clippers have already set their sights on 2027, with Leonard holding multiple rings, while Harden continues to persist on this path. Since their goals no longer align, an amicable separation is the best outcome.

Ten years ago, LeBron led the Cavaliers to their first championship in franchise history. Ten years later, another James has arrived here, eager to replicate that miracle. Harden is willing to give everything for his ultimate dream.