Knicks and Jalen Brunson go after James Harden to key their comeback
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- The Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals to the New York Knicks in overtime after blowing a 22-point lead, with James Harden's defensive struggles against Jalen Brunson playing a key role in the collapse.
- Brunson scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, exploiting Harden in multiple one-on-one possessions, leading Knicks coach Mike Brown to deliberately attack Harden defensively.
- Harden shot poorly offensively, going 5-for-16 overall and 1-for-8 from three-point range, while also committing six turnovers, contributing to the Cavaliers' offensive struggles.
- Despite Harden's difficulties, teammates like Donovan Mitchell emphasized that the defensive breakdown was a collective failure rather than the fault of one player.
- Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson maintained confidence in Harden’s defensive abilities and did not consider removing him from the floor, citing Harden’s overall playoff contributions.