Donovan Mitchell declared the Cleveland Cavaliers are operating within a championship window following the acquisition of James Harden, embracing the heightened expectations following Monday’s 119-117 comeback win over the Denver Nuggets.
The Cavs trailed for nearly 43 minutes before rallying late on the road to secure their fourth straight win. Mitchell acknowledged the urgency created by the addition of the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer.
“You see what’s here. There’s a window. This is the window. This is the moment,” Mitchell told cleveland.com. “In a way, the team is going all in. It’s time to go. If you make that move and understand James’ age and where he is in his career, now is the time.”
Mitchell expressed excitement about the pressure that came with Cleveland’s deadline moves, which sent Darius Garland to the LA Clippers in exchange for Harden. The Cavs also acquired Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. Mitchell reportedly urged the Cavaliers to take action before the trade deadline, which meant breaking up their core to acquire Harden.
“I like the pressure of it. I like the anticipation of it. I like the questions that come out of it,” Mitchell said. “If you take that step, what are you doing it for? To win a championship. That’s what it is. The organization is basically saying: this is the moment. And I think it’s great.”
The victory capped an exhausting 12-day, five-city trip that saw Cleveland climb to fourth place in the Eastern Conference with nine wins in their last 10 games. Mitchell and Harden combined for 25 of the team’s final 26 points, with Harden draining a tying 3-pointer with 32.1 seconds left.
“We’re just hoping for vibes right now,” Mitchell said after the comeback.
Harden finished with six points, four rebounds and four assists in 10 fourth-quarter minutes. Cleveland has a fourth-quarter offensive rating of 142.0 over the last two games.
“There’s definitely a different energy,” center Jarrett Allen said. “Everyone feels a new energy and a different belief that we can go even further than last year.”
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