The Knicks' MVP of their 22-point comeback in Game 1? James Harden
It might be a while before James Harden lives that one down. There were many factors behind the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 22-point fourth-quarter collapse in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals , but one stood out in the immediate aftermath of a 115-104 New York Knicks win . That would be Harden, who is no stranger to playoff clunkers in his lengthy career.
Tuesday, however, was the first time he was the protagonist of one of the worst collapses in NBA playoff history . Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament During the Knicks’ game-flipping 44-11 run, Harden went 1-for-5 for 3 points with zero assists and one turnover. That alone is bad, especially when you’re asked to run the offense with Donovan Mitchell seemingly limited from playing his usual role.
Where it got truly brutal, however, was on defense, as the Knicks hunted Harden like a wounded pheasant. the Knicks comeback highlights is just James Harden getting burned every single possession it’s honestly incredible 💀💀 pic. twitter.
com/OfZDvlyOaI — Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 20, 2026 Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was asked after the game if he thought of benching Harden on defensive possessions in the final minutes of the game. He stood by his player. His response : “No.
He’s been one of our best defenders in these playoffs. I trust him. Smart.