The Cleveland Cavs are currently preparing for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks. The Cavs are looking to bounce back after a brutal choke job in Game 1 of the series, squandering a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter and falling behind 0-1 in the series in overtime.
One of the key culprits for Cleveland’s demise in Game 1 was James Harden, who had a lackluster game on offense and was frequently hunted by Jalen Brunson in isolation in the fourth quarter on defense, spurring New York’s run.
Harden, of course, was the key midseason trade acquisition for the Cavs from the Los Angeles Clippers, and he is eligible for a lucrative contract extension this summer.
Recently, Dave McMenamin of ESPN broke down how this current series will affect those talks.
“How Harden performs the rest of the series could affect his contract this summer. He has a player option for next season worth $42.3 million, but he was acquired with both the Cavs and Harden’s camp interested in an extension, sources told ESPN,” reported McMenamin.
Harden is not exactly known as a playoff riser, having had some disastrous postseason moments during his time with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers. While he has also had some monster playoff games, including in this postseason run with the Cavs, Cleveland will need him to be a lot better moving forward against the Knicks than he was in Game 1 of the series.
If he does, Harden will have a chance not only to help his team advance to the NBA Finals, but also to earn himself a huge payday this summer.
Game 2 vs the Knicks is set for Thursday at 8:00 pm ET.