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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 17: James Harden #1 and head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers speak during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons in Game Seven of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 17, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
On Monday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the New York Knicks for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
The Cavs got swept, losing the final game by a score of 130-93.
James Harden finished with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block while shooting 2/8 from the field and 0/6 from three-point range in 33 minutes.
NBA World Reacts To Harden’s Performance
GettyJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks is defended by James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Here’s what people were saying about Harden:
Stefan Bondy: “No way you can give James Harden a big contract in free agency.”
Rob Perez: “At this point, being a Harden apologist is not a choice — it’s a condition.”
HoopsHype: “James Harden is finishing the season as the player with the most playoff wins without an NBA title. Tied at 98 with Karl Malone.”
Skip Bayless: “James Harden in tonight’s home closeout game: 0-6 from 3 with 5 turnovers. Predictable.”
Jeff Goodman: “Good to see James Harden has showed up for a big game again.”
Real App: “James Harden now has the 3rd most playoff games by a guard ever with more TOV than FGM.”
@Sheridanblog: “James Harden should just be on a losing team moving forward so he can keep accumulating stats like Westbrook. The days of trying to win with Harden as a key starter are over with. Cavs were foolish to trade for him, they’d be wise to move him in the offseason.”
Bonta Hill: “James Harden is an all-time great, but I don’t ever want to read about folks taking him over Dwyane Wade. Please…”
Nikki Gist: “James Harden needs to hang it up”
Looking At Harden
GettyJames Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after scoring during the second quarter of a game against the New York Knicks in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City.
Harden was traded to the Cavs (via the LA Clippers) during the middle of the season.
He has also had stints with the OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
His career averages are 24.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 43.9% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range in 1,221 games.
Cavs’ offseason outlook:
– Harden $42.3M player option – Wade, Ellis, Bryant, Nance all UFAs – Porter Jr. team option – Allen’s 3-year, $91M extension kicks in – Mitchell, Mobley, Strus, Schroder, Merrill all under contract
Cleveland had the highest team cap hit this season.
The 2018 MVP has a player-option in his contract for the 2026-27 season.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar