TITLE: Atkinson Applauds Harden After Guard Surpasses 29,000 Career Points
SLUG: atkinson-applauds-harden-surpasses-29000-career-points
CONTENT:
CLEVELAND — Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson offered high praise for James Harden on Monday night after the Philadelphia 76ers star eclipsed 29,000 career points during Cleveland’s 112-104 victory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
“It’s a testament to his resiliency,” Atkinson said postgame. “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.”
The milestone was announced to the crowd during the second half, catching Atkinson by surprise. “Twenty-nine thousand. Whoa. Incredible,” he added.
Harden’s Night
The veteran guard ended the game with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes, shooting 6-for-11 from the floor and a perfect 6-for-6 at the foul line. Harden did not address the media afterward.
Cavs Share the Load
Cleveland (40-25) secured its 40th win of the season behind balanced scoring:
- Keon Ellis: 19 points off the bench
- Donovan Mitchell: 17 points, six assists
- Evan Mobley: 15 points, eight rebounds
- Dean Wade: 13 points, 10 rebounds
The Cavaliers are one of seven NBA teams to have reached the 40-win mark with 17 regular-season games remaining.
Source: Hoops Wire
