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James Harden’s defensive responsibilities were on display during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Game 1 collapse against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers led by as many as 22 points before Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to a resounding victory, 115-104. Brunson had 38 points, including crucial baskets in the fourth quarter as Harden guarded him.
Harden gave the Cavaliers the lead with seconds left, while Brunson answered to tie the game. Cleveland’s Sam Merrill had a chance to give Cleveland the game-winning field goal late in the fourth quarter, but his shot went around the rim and went out.
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Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks, left, covers James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the overtime period in Game 1 of the NBA basketball playoff series, Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York then dominated Cleveland 14-3 in overtime to put the finishing touches on an incredible comeback.
Harden had 15 points, four rebounds and three assists, but was held up by six turnovers and was minus-6 from the floor. NBA fans targeted Harden for not doing enough on defense when it mattered most — a criticism that haunted him his entire career.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown emphasized after the game that the plan was to attack Harden.
“There’s no secret: We were attacking Harden,” Brown said. “Sometimes you have to do what the game dictates, and they were trying to do the same thing with Jalen, so we said, ‘OK, we think we can play this game.’ We try not to play this game too much, but we feel like we have a guy we can play this game with in Jalen. »
Harden credited Brunson with making tough plays down the stretch.
Jose Alvarado of the New York Knicks, right, knocks the ball out of the hands of James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers, second from right, during the first half in Game 1 of the NBA basketball playoff series of the Eastern Conference Finals, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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“He’s had some tough moments, but obviously we all know he’s a great 1-on-1 player,” Harden said. “It’s going to be difficult for anyone on an island, so we have to do a better job of making sure he sees the bodies. On the other hand, they do a good job supporting him and helping him when he’s on an island. He’s had some tough ones, but we have to do a better job as a team.”
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said the team made adjustments, but nothing worked.
“We started giving him two, taking the ball out of his hands, full rotation,” Atkinson said. “James was good for most of the game. Look, we weren’t great defensively in the fourth quarter.”
He said he never considered taking Harden off the court defensively.
“Look, he was one of our best defenders and an important player in the playoffs,” Atkinson said. “I trust him. He’s smart, with good hands.”
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, right, drives past Dennis Schroder of the Cleveland Cavaliers, left, during the second half in Game 1 of the NBA basketball playoff series, Eastern Conference Finals, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Game 2 will take place Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.
