In the playoffs, fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers have been fighting for their life trying to defend the front office’s trade for James Harden. He’s had ups, and that’s helped the Cavaliers’ case, but with the recent performance Harden put up in Game 2, it’s become basically impossible for Cleveland to say they won by trading Darius Garland.
In 37 minutes, through a battle that was lost by just ten points, and came down to the wire, Harden logged an atrocious 10 points, three assists, three personal fouls, and four turnovers, shooting 3-13 from the field and 0-4 from beyond the arc.
That’s simply inexcusable for a player making borderline $40 million this season.
That said, there’s nothing for the Cavaliers to say at this point other than they made a mistake. It was foolish to age by ten years with one move, and in real time, they’re wishing they could go back and change how everything panned out.
James Harden has done nothing but disappoint in the postseason
To some extent, James Harden has shown up for the Cleveland Cavaliers this time around. The scoring and playmaking have been on full display, and on top of that, he showed great leadership that helped the Cavaliers beat the Toronto Raptors in a series that went to seven games.
However, that’s just the good. What about the bad? Well, long story short, there’s been a lot, and it hasn’t been a pretty sight.
Harden has been turning the ball over at an atrocious rate, 53 assists and 47 turnovers in nine games, and so far against the Detroit Pistons, he has shot 32.1% from the field and 9.1% from three-point territory.
In the same breath, several of his turnovers have occurred at costly moments. The Cavaliers have trusted the former MVP to handle the ball, facilitate, and generate points, yet he hasn’t, and that’s partially why the Cavaliers are down 0-2 and on track to getting swept.
Credit must also go to the Pistons’ defense, particularly Ausar Thompson, who has made Harden’s life difficult to an all-time level.
So, when looking back at the trade, Harden left the blemish himself with countless horrific showings. Though he’s had his moments on both sides of the ball, it’s safe to say the Clippers won.
In fact, the decision isn't even close, and the funny part is that LA isn’t even in the postseason.
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