Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson praises ‘complete player’ version of James Harden

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson did not hide his admiration after James Harden reached another scoring milestone Monday night.

As you likely know, Harden surpassed 29,000 career points during the Cavs’ home win over the 76ers, continuing what has been one of the most productive scoring careers in modern NBA history.

After the game, Atkinson said the number caught even him off guard.

“It’s a testament to his resiliency,” Atkinson said. “It’s so hard in this league to do it for so long and so consistently. This version we’re seeing of James, you don’t just think of scoring. I think of this complete player.”

Atkinson added that hearing the milestone announced during the game made the moment sink in.

“When they announced it today, I was kind of in shock,” he said. “Twenty-nine thousand. Whoa. Incredible.”

Harden finished with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes, shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 6-of-6 at the line.

The Cavs received contributions throughout the lineup in the win. Keon Ellis provided a spark off the bench with 19 points, while Donovan Mitchell added 17 points and six assists. Evan Mobley finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Dean Wade recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards.

Harden did not speak with reporters after the game.

The Cavs (40-25) are one of seven NBA teams to have hit the 40-win threshold with 17 regular-season games to go.