The New York Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers to move to the NBA Finals for the first time in almost three decades. As big as the Knicks' story was, the Cavs’ poor performance throughout the series faced severe criticism, and at the center of it was James Harden. 

As per stats, the three-time scoring champion was subpar on both ends of the floor in the Eastern Conference Finals series. But when Harden had to sum up his playoff run, the former scoring champion said that he had a good individual playoff run with the Cavaliers.  

“I think I did pretty good,” he told reporters when asked to self-assess his postseason run. “Like I don't grade myself off shot making. I think coming here was just a piece to fulfil whatever needs to be fulfilled.”

Although the Cavs star didn't have numbers that have always been expected‌ of him, he wasn’t a scrub either.

In 17 games in this playoff, Harden averaged 19.7 points, 5.7 assists, 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 41.5% from the field, including 31.4% from the 3-point line.

Harden was often criticized for his defense throughout the ECF series.

Jalen Brunson had been hunting him throughout the series, and he had had less success in stopping the New York Knicks star. However, he was fairly good on defense in the first 14 games of the playoffs. Harden also had a positive view of his defense.

“And defensively being extremely solid, offensively getting guy shots, and fitting into a system that was already in place.”

During Game 1, when the Cavs gave up a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter before facing a loss in overtime, Brunson targeted the Beard 8 times in that quarter. It has happened only 30 times in NBA history. Harden ended up giving the most points ever. 

Compared to 113.91 points in overall defensive rating in this playoff, Harden put up a defensive rating of 120.8 points against the Knicks. That defensive rating is far below the standard of an elite stopper.

James Harden makes his stance clear on his future with the Cavs

The Cavs’ playoff journey ended on a tough note. For some, they outperformed, and for others, Cleveland’s playoff season was a disappointment. But James Harden is going home with something positive. A future with the new franchise. 

During the exit interview, reporters asked Harden if he wanted to be back with the Cavaliers.  

“Yes, 100%,” Harden said. “Definitely want to be here. It’s tough ending it not how we wanted to, but I think we found something.”

While Harden is facing criticism, despite how the Cavs played in their last series, Donovan Mitchell also made it clear that he wanted his star teammate back for the next season.

According to Mitchell, Harden played a big role in helping the entire group reach a level they had “never been.”

The Cavs' next few years won’t be this easy. But with two elite scorers, great shooters and defensive big men, the Cavs might be able to achieve something big in the next season.

What is your ceiling for the Cavaliers next season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Koushik Biswas