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James Harden

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Harden pledges to do whatever it takes to keep Cavaliers’ title dream alive
sportsnba1 hour ago

Harden pledges to do whatever it takes to keep Cavaliers’ title dream alive

James Harden, about to turn 37, says he’ll do whatever it takes to win with the Cavaliers in 2026-27, including playing off the ball. After a midseason trade, he averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 regular-season games for Cleveland but struggled more in the East finals as the Cavs were swept. Harden reiterated his desire to stay with Cleveland, noting a 2026-27 $42.3 million player option (or an opt-out toward a two-year, roughly $56 million deal) and hoping for roster upgrades to maximize the team’s championship window while planning a full training camp.

Gilbert delivers blunt verdict as Cavs’ season ends with Knicks sweep
sports1 hour ago

Gilbert delivers blunt verdict as Cavs’ season ends with Knicks sweep

The Cleveland Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, ending their season. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert posted a stern message on X saying the team isn’t where it needs to be and pledging to grind over the summer to take the next step. The Cavs, who had the league’s top payroll and a roster led by Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, briefly added James Harden at the trade deadline but fell short. Mitchell called the loss a learning lesson, Harden expressed openness to returning in free agency, and the franchise now looks to rebuild and push for sustained advancement next season.

Harden Backs Cavs as They Face Offseason, Vows Return After Knicks Sweep
sports5 hours ago

Harden Backs Cavs as They Face Offseason, Vows Return After Knicks Sweep

After the Cavaliers were swept 4-0 by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, James Harden insists Cleveland was the better team and says he intends to return next season, while Donovan Mitchell commits to staying with the Cavs as the franchise analyzes what went wrong and plans for the offseason; Harden averaged 16.0 points, 3.0 assists and 4.3 turnovers on roughly 39% shooting and 18% from three in the series.

Cavs at a crossroads after Knicks sweep: Harden, Mitchell extension and Atkinson’s future
sports7 hours ago

Cavs at a crossroads after Knicks sweep: Harden, Mitchell extension and Atkinson’s future

After the Knicks swept Cleveland in the East finals, the Cavaliers face a pivotal offseason centered on whether the star-studded core can win. Harden’s arrival and the Garland-for-Harden swap sparked questions about fit and the team’s path forward, while Mitchell’s extension talks and a complex cap outlook loom large. Coach Kenny Atkinson’s future and Koby Altman’s moves are under scrutiny as ownership signals expectations for a deeper run, forcing tough decisions on roster construction and potential trades within NBA cap constraints.

Towns fuels Knicks' rout as Harden misfires in Game 4
sports10 hours ago

Towns fuels Knicks' rout as Harden misfires in Game 4

Karl-Anthony Towns starred in 26 minutes to power the Knicks to a 130-93 Game 4 win over the Cavaliers, with OG Anunoby delivering two bone-rusting dunks and Mikal Bridges adding 25 points; James Harden was a mess again, finishing with 12 points on 2-for-8 shooting, five turnovers and a minus-55 rating. New York outscored Cleveland by 25 during Towns’ time on the floor and extended their road-elimination edge to 118 points this postseason.

Mitchell-Harden Duo Sparks Cavs to Series-Tying Win Over Pistons
sports13 days ago

Mitchell-Harden Duo Sparks Cavs to Series-Tying Win Over Pistons

Donovan Mitchell poured in 43 points, including 21 in the third as Cleveland erased a halftime deficit with a 22-0 run to beat Detroit and even the series at 2-2, aided by James Harden's 25 points and 11 assists. Evan Mobley anchored the defense with five blocks and three steals, while the Cavs won the turnover and second-chance battles to seize control and set up a pivotal Game 5 in Detroit.

Pistons’ Lockdown D Shrinks Harden in Playoff Showdown
nba17 days ago

Pistons’ Lockdown D Shrinks Harden in Playoff Showdown

Detroit’s elite team defense has James Harden bottled up through the playoff series, leaving him largely invisible on offense as the Pistons’ rotations overwhelm him. Harden’s two-game line reads 9 made field goals, 11 turnovers, and 1-for-11 from three, with Detroit’s scheme and personnel (Cade Cunningham on Harden, Ausar Thompson on Mitchell) applying relentless pressure and limiting his drives and decision-making.

Cavs Game 1 Loss Highlights Spacing, Turnover Woes
sports19 days ago

Cavs Game 1 Loss Highlights Spacing, Turnover Woes

Cleveland lost 111-110 in Detroit as 19 turnovers and spacing issues around Harden and Mitchell hampered the offense; the Cavs were unable to capitalize despite a late push, with Wade and Mobley not threatening from outside, Strus facing defensive mismatches, and coach Atkinson deploying unusual rotations that reduced time for the bigs. Mitchell struggled to drive and draw fouls while Harden’s turnovers underscored a broader post-season issue. The Cavs need better floor spacing and more two-big lineups to split the road games.

Harden, Mitchell power Cavs past Magic in high-scoring shootout
sports2 months ago

Harden, Mitchell power Cavs past Magic in high-scoring shootout

Cleveland beat Orlando 136-131 behind James Harden's playmaking (26 points, 7 assists) and Donovan Mitchell's 42-point eruption, with Evan Mobley efficient at 8-for-8 and 19 points. Sam Merrill added 19 off the bench as the Cavs leaned into offense, but defensive effort was inconsistent, prompting coach Atkinson's critique and leaving several role players with middling grades.

Harden’s late heroics push Cavs past Bulls in a tight win
sports2 months ago

Harden’s late heroics push Cavs past Bulls in a tight win

James Harden scored 36 with seven 3s and delivered a late iso jumper to seal a tense Cavaliers win over the Bulls, after three strong quarters. Evan Mobley added a 26-point, 14-rebound double-double, while Max Strus struggled (0-for-6) but remained in the closing lineup. The article grades every Cavs player from A+ to F, noting Harden and Mobley as top contributors while others had mixed or uneven games as Cleveland held on down the stretch.

Harden-Led Cavs Hold Off Pistons in Tight 113-109 Win
sports2 months ago

Harden-Led Cavs Hold Off Pistons in Tight 113-109 Win

Cleveland edged Detroit 113-109 in a revenge win, with James Harden delivering steady playmaking to stabilize the Cavaliers’ offense despite a 5-for-17 shooting night and five turnovers. Evan Mobley and Jaylon Tyson provided scoring bursts (Tyson 22 points off the bench) while Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant helped drive the late push. Jarrett Allen left early with a knee issue (Incomplete grade), and others like Sam Merrill, Keon Ellis, and Craig Porter Jr. contributed variable minutes. Overall, Harden’s floor-general presence kept Cleveland from sinking as the Cavs leaned on a balanced supporting cast to seal the victory.