James Harden has been one of the best defenders in the playoffs, according to coach Kenny Atkinson. On May 19, 2026, Atkinson stated that he trusts Harden, citing his smart play and great hands.
What happened?
Kenny Atkinson was asked if he thought of benching James Harden on defensive possessions at the end of Game 1. He replied, “No. He’s been one of our best defenders in these playoffs.
Atkinson's trust in Harden is well-placed, given his performance in the playoffs so far. On May 18, 2026, the Knicks' coach, Brown, noted that the team needs to be conscious of playing the right way against the Cavs, who rely heavily on Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
Why it matters for James Harden
Harden's defensive skills are a key aspect of his game, and his ability to manipulate the rules, as noted by J.B. Bickerstaff, makes him a valuable asset to his team. As of May 16, 2026, Harden ranks in the Top 10 in NBA playoffs history in at least three main counting stats.
Donovan Mitchell also praised Harden, stating that he and Harden don't want to give too much to the media as far as narratives, but they understand the reality of the situation. Mitchell noted that the job is not done yet, despite their recent successes.
What comes next?
The Cavs are planning to work out a new deal to retain Harden, according to sources. This comes after the Clippers made it clear that they hadn't decided whether to pick up his $42 million team option for next season. Harden's representation got permission to find a team willing to commit to him, and the Cavs were willing to do so.
As of May 17, 2026, there is an understanding that the Cavs plan to retain Harden, although a formal agreement cannot be completed before the offseason. Harden could have vetoed any trade, but he apparently had an understanding with the Cavs before the move.
The playoffs have seen Harden finish with more turnovers than made field goals for the 31st time in his playoff career, as noted by Keerthika Uthayakumar on May 16, 2026. Despite this, his overall performance has been impressive, and he continues to be a vital part of his team's success.
Draymond Green praised Daryl Morey's work, including his decision to trade for James Harden when nobody believed in him. Green noted that Morey gave Harden a max contract, and he proceeded to become one of the best players in the league.
On May 19, 2026, Michael Scotto reported that Kenny Atkinson trusts James Harden, and this trust is well-placed given Harden's recent performance. As the playoffs continue, it will be interesting to see how Harden and the Cavs perform, and whether they can make a deep run in the tournament.
The Cavs' ability to retain Harden will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season. With his contract situation resolved, Harden can focus on his game and help the Cavs make a push for the championship.
As the NBA playoffs heat up, James Harden remains a key player to watch. His defensive skills, combined with his impressive offensive abilities, make him a formidable opponent on the court. On May 16, 2026, Jorge Sierra noted that Harden ranks in the Top 10 in NBA playoffs history in at least three main counting stats, a testament to his impressive career so far.