Cleveland Cavaliers star guard James Harden provides his blunt take on his own playoff performance after being eliminated by the New York Knicks in four games of the Eastern Conference Finals.
After the Game 4 blowout, Harden told the media that he believes he played well throughout the playoffs and in the series.
“I think I did pretty good,” Harden said.” I don’t grade myself off shot making. I think coming here was just a piece to fulfill whatever needs to be fulfilled. Defensively being extremely solid offensively, getting good shots and fitting into a system that was already in place, so I think I did, I think I did good. Obviously, I could have been better. I feel like always could be better, but I know one thing that I work extremely hard, you know what I’m saying?”
James Harden was asked to self-assess his playoff run:
“I think I did pretty good … defensively, been extremely solid, and offensively, getting guys shots and fitting into a system that was already in place.”pic.twitter.com/HdgoO1GzLv
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 26, 2026
Harden’s Game 4 was far from a good showing. In the contest, the former NBA MVP recorded 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and turned the ball over five times while shooting 2-of-8 from the field.
The star guard did not record a point in the second half and was a -19 in the plus/minus department.
The Knicks proved to be the better and more superior team compared to the Cavaliers, especially in the last three games of the series. Nonetheless, that fact didn’t seem to sink in with Harden.
The 35-year-old said that he believes the Cavaliers are the better team.
“It was 4-0, but I don’t think we had a chance as far as our best shot,” Harden said. “Genuinely, I do feel like we are the better team. Series-wise, we didn’t show it.”
Cavaliers facing major James Harden questions after playoff sweep
Harden is expected to be an unrestricted free agent, with the expectation that he will decline his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
He has expressed his desire to re-sign with the team, with projections pointing toward a multiyear extension.
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