Throwback: James Harden Shines In MVP Season

James Harden joined a new team this season, as the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired him in a trade. That trade proved that the Cavaliers are willing to make moves if it puts them closer to a championship. Harden is a veteran guard, and having him play alongside Donovan Mitchell puts Cleveland in a position to succeed.

Harden Returns To The Eastern Conference

Before suiting up for the Cavaliers, Harden played for numerous teams. He played with the Los Angeles Clippers when Cleveland acquired him, and before that, he played for teams in both conferences. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers before coming to Los Angeles. Then, at the start of his career, he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Harden has done well with several franchises, and his time with the Houston Rockets stands out the most. During his time with the Rockets, Harden was putting up big numbers. His 2018-19 season is a great example, as he averaged a career-high 36.1 points. The year before that, the high-scoring guard averaged 30.4 points, and for the first time in his career, he led the league in scoring.

The 2017-18 season was significant for Harden, as he also won a special award. He won that year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, and that was the fourth time a Rockets player won. Moses Malone was the first to do it, and he won the award in 1979. Malone won the award once more in 1983, and Hakeem Olajuwon won years later.

Harden Goes Off

The star guard was on a tear during his MVP season, and he had a 60-point game against the Orlando Magic. He also had an impressive triple-double, as he had 11 assists and 10 rebounds in the process. Harden showed that he can contribute in different areas, and the Rockets went on to have a strong season. They finished that year with a record of 65-17, and they reached the Western Conference Finals. However, they lost to the Golden State Warriors.

Houston’s playoff run was the last time Harden went on a deep postseason run. He continued to make the playoffs, but he was knocked out in the first or second rounds. This year, he and the Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals, and they are trailing the New York Knicks.

New York has a 3-0 lead over Cleveland, and the Cavaliers are fighting to stay alive. They have another home game, and that gives them a chance to avoid the sweep. However, it will not be easy.

If the Cavs want to win, they need a notable performance from Harden. This playoff run has been an up-and-down period for him, and Cleveland’s upcoming game is the perfect time to shine.

All Or Nothing

The Cavaliers fought to get to this point, and this round has been a struggle. Harden is trying to win his first championship, but the Knicks are standing in his way. At this point in his career, the All-Star guard has accomplished great things. His MVP win was special, and it is a reminder of what he is capable of. At 36 years old, he does not need to put up MVP numbers, but he can still score and facilitate with ease. If Cleveland gets a decent performance, the franchise’s playoff journey can continue for a little bit longer.

Harden is a star, and while his postseason performance has been a topic of discussion, he remains someone to watch out for. This upcoming game matters, and if the 2018 MVP can turn the clock back for one moment, his new team can avoid the sweep.