The New York Knicks discovered a solution to their problems in the form of James Harden, during Tuesday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks relentlessly targeted Harden, capitalising on his weaknesses.
Down by 22 points with 7:52 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Knicks focused their comeback efforts on exploiting Harden. They identified the Cavaliers’ weakest defensive point and persistently attacked it.
For 15 consecutive possessions, the Knicks directed their offensive plays at Harden. They isolated him against Jalen Brunson. They forced him into constant movement to recover defensively. They made him react to every dribble and offensive manoeuvre by Brunson.
Knicks’ Relentless Attack Pays Off
The Knicks’ strategy worked better than they could have hoped. Those 15 possessions resulted in 30 points, with the Knicks scoring on 13 of them. By the time the game reached overtime, the Knicks had established a foundation for winning Game 1 and potentially influencing the rest of the series.
“It was no secret we were attacking Harden,” Knicks head coach Mike Brown said after the game.
The Cavaliers now face the challenge of finding a solution to the issues that plagued them during the final stretch of Game 1, as they prepare for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. The Cavaliers have a Harden problem, and the Knicks have made it evident.
Harden’s Struggles on Both Ends of the Court
The Cavaliers will need more from their All-Star guard. Harden scored just 15 points in 42 minutes, missing 11 of his 16 shot attempts. He did not create enough opportunities for his teammates, providing only three assists, and had more turnovers than made shots. His defensive deficiencies were exposed at critical moments.
After three quarters, it appeared the Cavaliers could manage even with a quiet night from Harden. They held a significant lead and strategically hid him on defense. The double-digit lead reflected a well-executed plan, but its effectiveness was short-lived.
Brunson’s Dominance in the Fourth Quarter
In the fourth quarter, the Knicks consistently targeted Harden, eventually wearing down the Cavaliers’ defense. Jalen Brunson scored 38 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, and contributed six assists. Harden was unable to match Brunson’s performance. There was no offensive response, no spark he could ignite to sustain the Cavaliers’ offense as it faltered during the collapse, with the Knicks finishing the game on a 44-11 run.
“(Brunson) made some tough ones, but obviously we all know he’s a great one-on-one player and I think anybody on an island, it’s going to be difficult,” Harden said.
The Cavaliers await Game 2, down 1-0 after squandering a prime opportunity to seize early control of the Eastern Conference finals.