Cleveland Cavaliers Star James Harden Made NBA History In Warriors Game

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to a game against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

On Thursday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Cavs won by a score of 118-111.

James Harden finished with 19 points, two rebounds and five assists while shooting 7/11 from the field and 3/6 from three-point range in 37 minutes of playing time.

James Harden Made History

With their win over the Warriors, the Cavs have now clinched a spot in the 2026 NBA playoffs.

The Cavaliers wrote (via X): “🔒PLAYOFFS. CLINCHED.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially clinched a 2026 NBA Playoffs berth. See you the post-season, Cavs fans!”

Harden has now made the NBA playoffs in all 17 of his seasons as a pro.

Polymarket Sports wrote: “Longest playoff streaks in NBA history:

Karl Malone – 19 years John Stockton – 19 years Tim Duncan – 18 years James Harden – 17 years* Jason Kidd – 17 years Tony Parker – 17 years

Only 6 of these seasons ended with rings.”

Harden is in his first season with the Cavs after getting traded (via the LA Clippers) last month.

Since the trade, the 2018 MVP is averaging 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists per contest while shooting 48.2% from the field and 43.9% from three-point range in 23 games.

Real App wrote (on March 1): “James Harden becomes the fastest PG in Cavs history to reach 150+ PTS & 50+ AST.”

Harden’s NBA Career

Harden was the third pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of Arizona State.

He has also spent time with the OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers (in addition to the Cavs and Clippers).

The future Hall of Famer has career averages of 24.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 43.9% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range in 1,217 games.

All that is missing from his legendary career is an NBA Championship ring.

Cavs Right Now

The Cavs are having another strong regular season as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 48-29 record in 77 games.

They have won seven out of their last ten (and are 24-15 on the road).

On Sunday, the Cavs will return home to host the Indiana Pacers in Ohio.

Last season, they were the first seed (but lost to the Pacers in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs).