James Harden Enters Game 7 Against Raptors With More on the Line Than Anyone
James Harden faces heightened scrutiny heading into Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors, as his playoff performance inconsistencies come under the spotlight. Despite being traded midseason as a key addition for Cleveland, Harden has struggled with efficiency in high-pressure moments. The outcome of the series may hinge on whether he can overcome his history of underperforming in Game 7 scenarios.
- ▪James Harden averaged 19.3 points on 35% shooting in seven career Game 7s, significantly below his overall playoff averages.
- ▪Harden had 16 points on 5-of-14 shooting in Game 6, contributing to Cleveland's 112–110 overtime loss.
- ▪In Cleveland's wins during the series, Harden scored 20 or more points and shot at least 44%; in losses, he scored under 20 and shot poorly.
- ▪The Cavaliers traded Darius Garland to acquire Harden midseason, raising the stakes for Harden's Game 7 performance.
- ▪Evan Mobley led Game 6 with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell added 24 points.
- ▪The series returns to Cleveland for a decisive Game 7 after Toronto forced it with a Game 6 win on RJ Barrett’s late three-pointer.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Cleveland Cavaliers walked out of Toronto on Friday night in heartbreak.A 112–110 overtime loss in Game 6, sealed by RJ Barrett’s ice-cold three with 1.2 seconds left, flipped the momentum of the entire series.Cleveland erased an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit, dominated the glass, and still watched the game slip through their fingers in the final seconds.The Cavs were fully healthy and riding the wave of a Game 5 win just two nights earlier.
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