Unable to defeat the Celtics! Harden: The Celtics are the benchmark for the Cavaliers; the woman who has influenced me most is my mother.

On March 9 Beijing time, the Cavaliers lost 98-109 to the Celtics. Harden played 38 minutes, shooting 6 out of 16 from the field, 3 out of 8 from three-point range, and 4 out of 7 from free throws, scoring 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists, with a plus-minus of -12. After the game, he accepted a media interview. The following is the interview transcript —

Reporter: In the first half, the team shot 2 out of 22 from three-point range. What do you think was the issue with the offense in the first half?

Harden: We just couldn't make the shots. It was really tough. Even though the opponent scored 56 points in the half, if we could have made a few shots, whether layups or threes, the situation would have been completely different. I also missed free throws and a few layups myself. The opportunities felt easy, but the shots just wouldn't go in. That feeling really drains you. But that's part of the game. We did very well in the second half, kept fighting, and kept giving ourselves chances.

Knowing this could be a potential playoff opponent, what did you learn from this game?

I told everyone, the Celtics are the benchmark, the standard. Basketball naturally involves making and missing shots, but our competitive nature, our fighting spirit, regardless of whether the shots are falling, we need to control the game ourselves. We regained that in the second half. I've only been here for about 10 or 11 games. We must reach the Celtics' level. I know we have the talent; once we reach that level, we'll be much stronger. When shots are falling, we can blow out opponents. Tonight, when shots weren't falling, we still gave ourselves a chance to win. That's it.

What do you think about Tatum's performance tonight?

Tatum played well, finding his spots and making shots. Having him is crucial for them. And their team is very good at creating advantages and opportunities for shooters. The coach is great, and they played well today.

There was a moment of interaction between you and him before the game. What did that mean to you?

I just told him, seeing such a young, high-level player who has won championships and achieved so much success suddenly face adversity, but his mindset is: nothing can hold him back or stop him. Coming back and playing well in his first game, and playing well again tonight, that itself is inspiring.

Did you communicate with Strus? He was on the bench tonight.

We strive for perfection. Strus communicates whatever he sees to us. It's a collective effort, collective energy. Whether it's a single play or the overall offensive and defensive system, he gives his input.

You said you want to reach the Celtics' level. What else needs to be done?

It's about mental stability. Regardless of whether shots are falling, keep playing, raise the defensive intensity, that's it. We've already faced the Celtics, Pistons, and Knicks, all top teams in the East. We have 18 games left. I believe we can do it.

Today is International Women's Day (local time). Who is the woman who has influenced you the most?

My mother. She did everything to bring me to where I am today. I respect many women, and I have female staff around me. My mother has gone through a lot, overcame breast cancer, and still lives strongly and positively. My gratitude for her is beyond words. I salute all women who hold up the sky; we are immensely grateful to you. Happy Women's Day.

You said Mitchell boosted the team's energy in the second half. What have you seen from working with him these 10 games?

He is a leader. He can speak, but more importantly, he leads by example. I also told him, basketball is like this, shots go in and shots miss, but defensive intensity, supporting each other, boxing out, and executing details are key to our success. That's the most important thing, and everyone must understand it. We must do it every play. When shots are falling, we can win big. When shots aren't falling, we can still create winning opportunities for ourselves. We proved that in the second half.

In these 11 games, you've been learning every game. What new understanding did you gain about the team today?

Of course, we want to win every game. But first, I saw how they defended me and how they defended our team. Because we have many weapons, I learn about this every game. Tonight, the opponent tightly guarded our shooters, so I had to be more aggressive. That's the first point.

Then, it's about finding ways to involve teammates. Depending on the opponent and matchups, tomorrow might be a different situation. These things aren't obvious from outside, but the ball handler has to manage a lot.

Figuring out what works and what doesn't. Tonight was good; we understood how their full lineup plays. We'll fix it. Of course, we want to win, but I care more that we saw our potential, not just against the Celtics, but against any opponent.

The good news is, we have another game tomorrow. See you tomorrow.