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James Harden’s defensive shortcomings were highlighted in 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 surprising comeback, 115-104. Brunson scored 38 points, including crucial baskets in the fourth quarter as Harden guarded him.
Harden put the Cavaliers ahead with seconds left, while Brunson responded to tie the game. Cleveland’s Sam Merrill had a chance to give Cleveland the winning basket late in the fourth quarter, but his shot skimmed the rim and went wide.
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Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks, left, covers James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers during overtime of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals NBA basketball playoff series on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York then outscored Cleveland, 14-3 in overtime to put the finishing touches on an incredible comeback.
Harden scored 15 points, four rebounds and three assists, but suffered six turnovers and was -6 on the court. NBA fans criticized Harden for not doing enough on defense when it mattered most, a criticism that has dogged him throughout his career.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown noted 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 feel like we can play that game.’ We tried not to play that game too much, but we feel like we have a guy we can play that 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 of 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 made some tough goals, but obviously we all know he’s a great 1-on-1 player,” Harden said. “Anyone who is on an island is going to be difficult, so we have to do a better job of making sure he sees the bodies. On the other hand, they do a good job of supporting him and helping him when he is on an island. He did some difficult 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 sending him two, taking the ball out of his hands, rotating completely,” Atkinson said. “James was good most of the game. Listen, we weren’t very good defensively in the fourth quarter.”
He said he never considered taking Harden off the court on defense.
“Listen, he’s been one of our best defenders and a great player in the playoffs,” Atkinson said. “I trust him. He’s smart and has good hands.”
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, right, passes by Dennis Schroder of the Cleveland Cavaliers, left, during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA basketball playoff series of the Eastern Conference Finals, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night at 8 pm ET at Madison Square Garden.
