The Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Detroit Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 of the semi-finals. While it was a brilliant outing for the club in general, James Harden put on a lackluster performance, to say the least. On Monday, former NBA star Carlos Boozer shared his honest take about Harden’s history playing in Game 7 matchups.
While visiting as a guest on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Boozer acknowledged that Harden is one of the league’s best scorers, but tends to disappear anytime he plays in a Game 7 in the playoffs. Ultimately, Harden’s performance didn’t hurt the Cavs on Sunday, but his inability to score in Game 7 matchups seems to be a theme throughout his career.
“[He’s an] outstanding offensive player, a brilliant offensive player,” said Boozer about Harden. “And obviously one of the best scorers that we’ve had in the game in his era. But when it is Game 7’s, he hasn’t shown up in Game 7’s, and this time it didn’t hurt [his team].
“A lot of the people go back to the team he had in Houston with [Chris Paul], and they had a chance to beat the Warriors and go on to probably win that championship… He’s a guy who has a chance,” continued Boozer. “He’s on a good team with Donovan Mitchell. A lot of other players stepped up huge last night in Game 7 despite [Harden’s] game.”
"Obviously one of the best scorers in his era. But when it is Game 7's, he hasn't shown up in Game 7's and this time it didn't hurt them"
–@MisterCBooz on the label on James Harden pic.twitter.com/AqD0mEuLQN
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) May 18, 2026
James Harden, who is 36 years old, finished the Game 7 win over the Pistons with nine points, five rebounds, and six assists while shooting just 20.0% from the field and failing to hit any of his six three-point attempts. Five of his nine points came from the free-throw line.
Although he played poorly, Harden has been a critical player for the Cavs all season. The team will hope he bounces back in Game 1 against the New York Knicks, which is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday.
