The Cleveland Cavaliers’ round two game seven victory is added to the list of times, just this postseason, where James Harden needed to step up, and he didn’t. Harden finished with nine points, six assists, and five rebounds, shooting 2-10 from the field and 0-6 from beyond the arc, in 36 minutes of action, which is atrocious given it was win-or-go-home for the Cavaliers.
So far, though, the Cavaliers have gotten away with it; they are in the Eastern Conference Finals because their role players stepped up at the perfect time. But, at some point, Harden won’t get bailed out by his supporting cast, and Cleveland will suffer a painful loss they won’t be able to make up for because of it.
James Harden’s postseason shortcomings will catch up to the Cavaliers
Overall, James Harden has lived up to his playoff narrative of being unable to shine with the lights brightest. Sure, Harden has had a few games of elite play, but throughout the first two rounds, there’s been more times than not where he’s either recorded a high number of turnovers, horrible shooting splits, or a combination of both.
In fact, Harden averaged 5.1 turnovers against the Toronto Raptors, shot 38.0% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range against the Detroit Pistons, yet the Cavaliers still managed to win, even with both series going to seven games.
It sure is unlucky for the Raptors and Pistons, as they did everything right in shutting down Harden pretty much completely, who is the second option for Cleveland and their most experienced player, and still had their postseasons ended early.
However, the Cavaliers are only halfway towards their goal of a championship; they have eight more wins to go. And, if anything, the backend is the toughest part.
That said, in the process of trying to win it all, if he continues to play the way he has, Harden will find himself deep in the water, looking for one of his teammates to rescue him.
In game seven in Detroit, it was a mix of Sam Merrill and Jarrett Allen, and in some of Cleveland’s previous matches, Donovan Mitchell has played the role of superhero, as have guys like Evan Mobley and Dennis Schröder.
Unfortunately, no one will be there, and Harden will be the reason the Cavaliers drown, despite them paying him superstar-level money.
That’s what’s bound to happen, and it’s honestly as predictable as can be.
Add us as a preferred source on Google