Cavs to hold special beard giveaway for James Harden’s home debut

The Cavaliers are wasting no time leaning into the moment.

James Harden will make his home debut Wednesday night at Rocket Arena, and Cleveland is welcoming him the only way that really makes sense.

With a beard.

Yes, the Cavs announced Tuesday they’ll be handing out a beard-themed giveaway to fans in attendance. A recreation of Harden’s iconic look. On a stick. Mouth hole included, because details matter.

It’s silly. It’s perfect. And honestly, it fits exactly where this team is right now.

Harden arrived from the Clippers at last week’s trade deadline in the deal that sent Darius Garland and a second-round pick to Los Angeles.

Since then, all he’s done is help the Cavs close games like a veteran contender.

In his Cleveland debut Saturday in Sacramento, Harden finished with 23 points and eight assists in a gritty road win.

Two nights later in Denver, he followed it up with 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, sealing his first double-double as a Cavalier and helping fuel a late comeback against the Nuggets.

More importantly, he’s been enormous when it matters most. Fourth quarters. Tight possessions. Poise.

Now he gets his first taste of Cleveland. A loud building. A fan base that’s starting to believe again. And a bunch of people holding fake beards in the stands.

Feels right.

And judging by how the Cavs have looked late in games lately, this probably won’t be the last Harden-themed celebration Cleveland dreams up.