Soon, the Cleveland Cavaliers will get their first taste of James Harden playoff action. Will that be a good or bad thing? The former Houston Rockets superstar is aware of the perception about his postseason runs, but he seems to be the last one focused on all of that heading into Game 1 between the Cavs and the Toronto Raptors.
Harden was asked about his previous playoff shortcomings following a Cavaliers practice. The ex-Rocket brushed it off.
âHonestly, I donât care,” Harden told reporters. “I donât care. I mean, thereâs more detail and depth that I can go into as far as running up against a dynasty, injuries. Itâs a part of the game, so there are no excuses. I donât feel bad, I donât dwell on it. Donât think back like, âAh, what if?â Itâs part of it. Itâs life.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
Being in the NBA for 17 years, Harden has pretty much accomplished everything except for winning an NBA Championship.
The veteran guard was close on multiple occasions. During his time with the Rockets, Harden was a part of eight playoff runs. A handful of times, he made the Western Conference Finals, but his team couldn’t advance. Being an NBA superstar, Harden had to take plenty of the blame for that.
Still, he learned to put it past him.
“Iâm sure we all could look at ourselves and think about certain things that happened throughout the course of our life that just didnât go our way, and feel bad about it or feel sad. I donât think like that,” Harden added.
“I just keep pushing, you know what I mean? So, we look forward. Iâm blessed I get an opportunity to play basketball and play in my seventeenth postseason and have another opportunity to get to it.â
A New Journey For James Harden
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 13: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks backcourt during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 13, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Rockets will remain Harden’s longest stint with one team in the NBA after this season.
Heading into the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Harden is on his sixth team. He started the year with the Los Angeles Clippers, but was traded to the Cavs ahead of the deadline in February.
In 16 playoff runs, Harden has averaged 22.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds.
On Saturday afternoon, Harden and the Cavaliers will open up their series against the Toronto Raptors with a 1 PM ET tip.
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