James Harden turned in a strong performance in his NBA playoff debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The former NBA MVP dropped a 22-point, 10-assist double-double with two rebounds, two steals and four-three pointers on Saturday. He helped lead the Cavs to a 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors to go up 1-0 in their first-round series.
Harden and Co. were back on the court on Monday for Game 2. He kept his foot on the gas as the Cavs looked to take a commanding 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Toronto for Games 3 and 4.
Harden notched another career milestone on Monday night.
David Richard-Imagn Images
While Tuesday’s game was just Harden’s second outing for the Cavs in the playoffs, it marked the 36-year-old’s 175th postseason appearance.
Harden has been in his fair share of playoff battles, and he has firmly cemented his postseason legacy over his 17 years in the NBA. The 11-time All-Star added another feather in his cap on Monday.
The NBA announced Harden’s latest career milestone on social media.
“Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @cavs for moving up to 7th on the all-time playoff ASSISTS list!” the league posted on X.
Harden just passed Boston Celtics icon and two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo on the esteemed list. Harden is now just seven assists away from overtaking Hall of Famer Tony Parker for sixth all-time in playoff assists.
It has been a tightly contested affair in Rocket Arena thus far as the Cavs look to pull away. As of writing, Harden and Co. are up 79-71 with 1:49 remaining in the third quarter.
