Donovan Mitchell continues to praise James Harden's impact on him and the rest of the Cavs

The Cleveland Cavaliers were happy with Darius Garland before the 2025-26 season. Unfortunately, they found a way to improve on him by getting a more experienced guard who can lead the team alongside Donovan Mitchell. Now, they are reaping the benefits of having a former MVP spearhead the offense.

Now, the Cavaliers are into the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Garland has been excellent for the Los Angeles Clippers, but the Cavaliers with Harden turned their season around and are now through as one of the final four teams in the Eastern Conference.

Donovan Mitchell continues to be thankful for James Harden's presence in Cleveland

Mitchell has played with plenty of great players throughout his career. In the backcourt, he has played with the likes of Garland, Mike Conley, and now, Harden. It has been an excellent career for Mitchell to play with that much quality in the same backcourt. 

Harden is possibly the greatest partner he's had because the older guard is a former MVP and regarded as one of the greatest offensive engines in NBA history. Mitchell himself has not run out of praises for his veteran teammate, including after Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors.

MORE: Jarrett Allen re-defines his legacy with his Game 7 performance against the Raptors

Jarrett Allen was the standout player for the Cavaliers in Game 7. He had 22 points and 19 rebounds, dominating the paint for the Cavaliers against a plucky Raptors team. Mitchell and Harden had underwhelming games based on their standards, but the former is glad the latter is a teammate.

"He’s meant the world to me, I’m not gonna lie.  When you play with another guy at that level, the communication with us has been great for the group and me. His play speaks for himself.  When you got a guy who’s a hall of famer, MVP, it helps us," Mitchell said about Harden's impact on him as a teammate on the Cavs.

Mitchell brings up great points because Harden's experience has paid off for the Cavs. They want to be a much better team, and with Harden's presence, they have a reliable veteran they can respect for both his leadership and his play. Garland was a great player for Cleveland, but he does not have the same level of experience just yet.

More NBA news:

• The Cavaliers are now a team to beat in the Eastern Conference Playoffs
• The matchup for the Cavaliers ahead of their second-round series
• How a second-half barrage helped the Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals
• James Harden gets rave reviews from Nets forward Michael Porter Jr.
• Donovan Mitchell speaks on why it was so important they had home court in Game 7