James Harden was the main factor behind the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ win over the Detroit Pistons in overtime. He scored 30 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and made 6 assists in Game 5.
This victory gave the Cavs a 3-2 lead in the series, and they are going back to their home court, Rocket Arena, for Game 6.
However, the truth is for Harden, Games 1 through 5 are not the real challenge – it’s always been the question of what comes after.
James Harden and the Ghost of Game 6 Past
GettyCavaliers’ James Harden Faces Biggest Playoff Test in Game 6
Stephen A. Smith had his answer ready on First Take when asked whether Harden was changing his playoff narrative. His response was blunt and unforgiving:
“Oh, no, not yet. And I hope James Harden is watching this right now. The 30 points last night, it was nice to see, but I wasn’t surprised. James Harden can do that. Ladies and gentlemen, the issue with James Harden and his flaws in the postseason, ain’t games one through five, it’s game six and seven.”
Stephen A. went on to break down his analysis with some damning numbers: in the last five Game 6s Harden has played, his teams are 1-4. He has averaged just 16.8 points on 37% shooting and 23% from three in those games.
For one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, those are numbers that haunt a legacy. And this isn’t just about bad shooting nights. Stephen A. noted that Harden has shown up to Game 6s and Game 7s attempting just five, seven, or eight shots total, disappearing entirely when it matters most.
Can Harden Finally Silence the Doubters at Home?
GettyJames Harden’s Game 6 Struggles Back in Focus as Cavaliers Eye Series Close
One could argue that this time it might be something else. Scoring 30 points in Game 5, a performance that marks his best in playoffs since he has been with Cleveland.
Harden made game-winning plays in overtime, among which were very important free throws in the last time.
But the history is overwhelming, and Stephen A. summed it up perfectly: “He’s been a no-show. These are the games. This is what we’ve waited for.”
The New York Knicks Are Waiting and the Cavs Must Answer
GettyThe One Stat That Has Cavs Fans Nervous About Harden in Game 6
Should the Cavaliers manage to beat the Pistons in Game 6, they’ll face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, and New York is certainly not a weak team.
The Knicks just defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the series, sweeping it 4-0, outscoring them 144-114 in the final game, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns led the wins.
The Eastern Conference Finals is set to start on May 17 in case the Cavs wrap it up in six. Cleveland could keep it close against the Knicks but only if Harden comes through in the clutch.
Having to play a Game 7 on the road against a fully healthy Knicks team with no home-court advantage would be a nightmare for the Cavs.
The time that Stephen A. has been anticipating is near. Game 6 will be held on the Cavs’ home court. So, it is now up to Harden to respond.
Multiple Red Flags Emerge for James Harden Ahead of Game 6 Vs Pistons