James Harden chases a long-awaited ring as Cavaliers open the playoffs vs Raptors

CLEVELAND (AP) — James Harden has amassed many accomplishments during his career, which will likely include a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

However, Harden still has a glaring omission on his resume — a championship ring.

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Harden sees his midseason trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers as his best opportunity yet for a postseason run culminating in an NBA title.

“It’s the truth. That’s why I’m here,” Harden said about the narrative of doing everything but winning a championship.

The Cavaliers open the NBA playoffs on Saturday when they host the Toronto Raptors. Harden has 90 playoff wins, second among players who have not won a championship. Karl Malone is atop the list with 98, but Harden could surpass him if Cleveland reaches the Eastern Conference finals.

Harden has played in 173 postseason games, third among players who haven’t won a championship. Malone is at 193, and John Stockton is next with 182.

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The closest Harden has come to a championship was when Oklahoma City reached the NBA Finals in 2012, losing to the Miami Heat in five games. He reached the Western Conference finals with the Houston Rockets in 2015 and ’18, only to be knocked out by the Golden State Warriors.

“Run up against a dynasty, injuries. It’s a part of the game, though. … I don’t dwell on it. I don’t think back. It’s a part of it. It’s life,” Harden said. ‘I’m sure we all could look at ourselves and think about certain things that happened over the course of our life that just didn’t go our way and feel bad about it, feel sad about it. I don’t think like that. I just keep pushing.”

Harden’s last two trips to the postseason were with the Los Angeles Clippers and ended with first-round exits.

The Feb. 4 trade to Cleveland paired Harden with Donovan Mitchell, who also has experienced his share of postseason heartbreak. Mitchell is looking to reach a conference final for the first time in his nine-year career.

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Harden is averaging 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in his 26 games with the Cavaliers, who are 19-7 when “The Beard” is…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/james-harden-chases-long-awaited-223557123.html

Author : JOE REEDY

Publish date : 2026-04-16 22:35:00

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