Kenny Atkinson Stands by James Harden

The day after the game, Kenny Atkinson was still backing James Harden. Despite Jalen Brunson’s defensive struggles, the Knicks chose to stick with the veteran player even after facing a 22-point deficit in the opening match of the Eastern Conference Finals.

“I’m here to protect him,” said the Cavaliers coach. “James is actually a great isolation defender—always has been. He’s smart on the court. Last night, in particular, his reaction times were impressive.” Perhaps it’s about more than just individual performances.

Atkinson expressed deeper frustration regarding Cleveland’s overall team defense. The Knicks often targeted Harden in pick-and-roll situations, forcing him into mismatches with Brunson. Interestingly, Harden contributed significantly to the Cavaliers, scoring 17 of their 38 points in the final stretch of regulation and overtime.

According to a discussion on the All NBA Podcast, the Knicks shifted from Brunson to Harden in the fourth quarter, achieving an average of 1.9 points per action on nine isolation plays. Notably, Brunson scored 11 consecutive points during a crucial period, leading to a staggering 18-1 run against Cleveland.

“Brunson made some tough shots, but the layup that tied the game with 19.3 seconds left—if our lower defenders can’t contest well, it reflects on team defense,” Atkinson noted. “Everyone seems to be pointing fingers at James, but team effort plays a huge role here. Sure, some responsibility lies with him, but it’s not all about him.” This sentiment reflects a real tension in evaluating player performance versus the collective effort.

Throughout the game, the Cavaliers attempted to pressure Brunson with double teams, only to leave their teammates unguarded, which also fueled the Knicks’ comeback.

Harden’s postseason performance has been inconsistent so far. He’s averaging about 19.7 points and six assists, but his shooting percentage is only at 31.8%, including 7.1% from three-point range. Alarmingly, in six playoff games, including this match, he recorded more turnovers than field goals.

However, Atkinson remained fervent in his support for Harden, even taking the time to reassure him personally about his capabilities.

“Without you, we’re likely done in the first round,” he conveyed. “You’ve performed well; just remember that micro experiences can sometimes skew perceptions. Stick to your strengths.” It seems that Atkinson’s faith in Harden could be crucial moving forward.