NBA: James Harden learning on the fly for Cavaliers, who visit Nuggets next

James Harden made a winning debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, scoring 23 points and handing out eight assists in a 132-126 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Despite joining the team mid-season and not having any practice sessions, Harden said he’s adjusting quickly.

"I just got to figure out where I fit in," Harden said after the game. "That won't be hard at all. I told the guys just do what you all do and I'll figure it out. I'm good enough to figure it out and insert myself in."

Cleveland acquired Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of last week’s trade deadline to strengthen its Eastern Conference playoff chances. The Cavaliers currently sit fourth, two games behind second-place New York and Boston.

Harden adds scoring punch to the Cavaliers’ backcourt, joining Donovan Mitchell, who leads the team with a 28.9 points-per-game average. Together, they contribute 14 assists per game. Evan Mobley, averaging 17.9 points and 8.8 rebounds, remains sidelined with a calf strain and will miss Monday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets.

Denver has also battled injuries. Power forward Aaron Gordon is out with a right hamstring injury, and his replacement, Peyton Watson, will miss about a month after suffering the same injury in a double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks. Cameron Johnson returned Saturday from a right knee bruise, scoring 14 points in his first game since Dec. 23.

The Nuggets received another scare when Jamal Murray exited late in Saturday’s 136-120 win over Chicago with a hip issue. He is listed as questionable for Monday’s game. Murray has been a key contributor in Nikola Jokic’s absence, averaging career highs of 26 points and 7.5 assists, including 14 double-doubles this season.

Jokic reached a milestone against the Bulls, recording the 182nd triple-double of his career to move into second place all-time behind Russell Westbrook. Since returning from a month-long absence, Jokic has averaged 24.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in five games, maintaining a season average of a triple-double.

Cleveland and Denver will face off Monday night in what promises to be a high-stakes matchup for both teams.

—Field Level Media/Reuters