Cavs’ James Harden on finding his rhythm: ‘Year 18, it’s taken me a longer time than usual’

James Harden wasn’t ready to declare his scoring touch gone. He figured the work would eventually show up in a game.

Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, it did.

Harden scored a season-high 32 points in the Cavs’ 115-107 win over the Knicks, then acknowledged that finding his rhythm has required more patience this season.

“I’ve been aggressive. I put the work in, so it’s only a matter of time before I get into a rhythm,” Harden said afterward, via Basketball Network⁠. “Year 18, it’s taken me a longer time than usual, but eventually, the work pays off. Eventually, it will come around.”

The Cavs certainly needed it to come around Wednesday. Harden entered the game averaging 15.3 points and shooting 36.4% from the field, with Monday’s loss at Charlotte adding to the concern.

Against the defending champions, he shot 9-of-14 overall and 5-of-7 from three. His go-ahead triple with 4:21 remaining broke a 101-all tie and helped the Cavs finish a game they badly needed.

Harden sounded similarly patient about the team’s uneven 6-6 start.

“We’re in a good space,” he said. “A couple of losses where we felt we should’ve won. But all in all, we’re in a good space. I think the most important thing is just trying to get healthy, trying to peak at the right time. So, a long season, just chip away.”

That assessment is easier to accept after a performance like Wednesday’s. The Cavs stayed composed, got contributions throughout the rotation and answered when the Knicks threatened to take control.

As Donovan Mitchell explained afterward⁠, Harden’s scoring also punished a defense that sent extra attention Mitchell’s way.

The Cavs don’t need 32 points from Harden every night. They do need him to consistently make opponents account for both guards. Wednesday offered their best look yet at how much that can help.

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