James Harden answers Cavs criticism with playoff feat last done by LeBron James
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images James Harden has remained under fire despite the Cleveland Cavaliers competing at a great level through their playoff series against the Detroit Pistons. His offensive production across the postseason added to wider scrutiny about his overall level, especially after some difficult displays against the Raptors in the previous stage. That made Game 5 feel important, and Harden responded with the kind of all-around performance that directly challenged the criticism around him.
James Harden matches rare LeBron James Cavs playoff feat Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images According to ESPN, Harden became the first Cavaliers player to record at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks in a playoff game since LeBron James. LeBron last achieved that mark in Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, during Cleveland’s historic title comeback. Harden finished with exactly 30 points against Detroit, while adding eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks in a complete performance.
It was the kind of display that reminded people of Harden’s peak, when his scoring, playmaking and control could shape every part of a contest. For Cleveland, it also came at the perfect time, as the Cavaliers needed authority and composure to move closer to closing out the series. James Harden still found scoring route without elite shooting Curiously, Harden produced those high numbers without shooting with the accuracy normally expected from a dominant 30-point playoff performance.
He finished at 38% from the field and made only three of his ten three-point attempts, which kept Detroit alive defensively. The difference came at the line, where Harden drew fouls and converted 11 of 14 free throws. Now, Cleveland need him to build on that momentum in Game 6.
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