Kenny Atkinson: James Harden has instilled ‘new confidence’ in the Cavaliers.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently experiencing one of their most successful phases of the season, a development that coach Kenny Atkinson attributes to a “renewed confidence” stemming from the acquisition of James Harden.
“Adding James has instilled a renewed confidence in us, if that makes sense. We recognize that we are a stronger team,” Atkinson remarked following the Cavaliers’ 109-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. “That spirit, that confidence for some odd reason, it drives you to play harder, compete more fiercely, and enhance your defensive efforts.”
“I felt like we were somewhat lacking that edge, that conviction. I believe we are starting to regain that. Much of it is related to the player we brought in through the trade.”
Since acquiring Harden in a significant trade before the deadline, the Cavaliers have posted a 6-1 record, sending Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the LA Clippers in exchange for the 11-time All-Star. Overall, Cleveland has triumphed in eight of its last nine contests.
“We’re quite good, but the surprising part is we’ve only had two practices,” Cavs star Donovan Mitchell stated after leading the team with 23 points on Tuesday. “There are some nights when we are simply playing off each other … We’re relying on film and our basketball IQ in this locker room, with players complementing one another and performing well.”
Harden has contributed significantly to the offense, averaging 18.9 points and 8.0 assists on 49% shooting (49% from three-point range) in his seven games with Cleveland, despite limited time to adjust to his new surroundings.
“We have a few more levels to reach,” Harden said, who scored 20 points against the Knicks. “We have what, 25 games left? I believe we can achieve that. In fact, I am confident we can. I think it will begin on the defensive end because offensively we can have six players in double figures … defense will be crucial.”
“If we can find a way to really focus on defense and consistently get stops while limiting teams to one shot, we will be very, very challenging to beat.”
The Cavaliers intensified their defensive efforts in the third quarter, restricting New York to just 11 points, marking the Knicks’ lowest-scoring quarter since November 2022, as per ESPN Research.
This defensive commitment allowed Cleveland to seek retribution against New York after suffering two notable defeats on opening night and Christmas Day.
The Cavaliers avoided a season sweep by the Knicks and moved into a tie with them for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Two months prior, on Christmas Day, Cleveland squandered a 17-point advantage against New York—a loss Mitchell referenced after Tuesday’s game as indicative of the team’s development over recent months.
The Cavaliers hold a 20-7 record since Christmas Day, the best in the NBA, and Mitchell noted that he observes a growing belief within his team during this recent period.
“That was the first thing we mentioned,” Mitchell said regarding the Christmas defeat. “That’s why throughout the year I’ve been discussing many of the challenges we faced. It’s somewhat beneficial to have those experiences because they provide reference points. So when you find yourselves in these situations, with a team on the brink, you must finish and deliver a decisive blow. That’s what we ultimately accomplished.”
