James Harden brought the Cleveland Cavaliers back to life in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Detroit Pistons. Harden had entered Game 5 with a different motivation, having inked his name in the history books. 

The Beard had faced severe criticism after the Cavs went 0-2 in the series amid his struggles. But since then, he has stepped up, reminding his critics why he is a generational talent on ‌offense. After Game 4 in Cleveland, he became only the fourth player to be part of an elite club with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Harden became the fourth player in NBA history to have recorded at least 4000 points, 1000 rebounds and 1000 assists. After Game 5, he has 4,144 points, 1,009 rebounds, and 1,202 assists in 185 playoff games. 

LeBron James leads the club with 8,521 points, 2,695 rebounds and 2,168 assists. Jordan has 5,987 points, 1,152 rebounds and 1,022 assists, while Bryant recorded 5,640 points, 1,119 rebounds and 1,040 assists.

The Cavaliers took Game 5 in Detroit Pistons to take a 3-2 lead in the series behind Harden. In the overtime win, Harden recorded 30 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks in 43 minutes. 

James Harden is learning to be the second option with the Cleveland Cavaliers

For nine long seasons, James Harden was synonymous with the Houston Rockets. Since then, Harden has barely called a city his home. After Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, the former MVP is on a team he believes has a chance to win it all.

While Harden’s impact has been largely positive on the Cavs, the three-time scoring champion admitted that he is still adjusting to his role behind Donovan Mitchell.

“Everything is still relatively new since I’ve only been here for two and a half months,” he said after Game 5 win on Wednesday. “I’m still learning how to be a second option, when to play off Don, and when to hunt my own shots.

"Don is capable of taking over any game, so it’s about finding that balance between being a playmaker and a scorer. I think we are building in the right direction.”

The Cavaliers acquired Harden in a trade that sent Darius Garland to the LA Clippers at the February deadline. If the chemistry continues to click for the Cavs team with Harden and Mitchell leading them, they might close out the series in Game 6 on Friday.

What do you think is the Cavs' ceiling with Harden playing at this level? Post your views in the comments.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Koushik Biswas