NBA Makes James Harden Announcement During Cavaliers Game

David Richard-Imagn Images

NBA Makes James Harden Announcement During Cavaliers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 20, 2026 8:54 PM ET

James Harden turned in a strong performance in his NBA playoff debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The former NBA MVP dropped a 22-point, 10-assist double-double with two rebounds, two steals and four-three pointers on Saturday. He helped lead the Cavs to a 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors to go up 1-0 in their first-round series.

Harden and Co. were back on the court on Monday for Game 2. He kept his foot on the gas as the Cavs looked to take a commanding 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Toronto for Games 3 and 4.

Harden notched another career milestone on Monday night.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) stands on the courtDavid Richard-Imagn Images

While Tuesday’s game was just Harden’s second outing for the Cavs in the playoffs, it marked the 36-year-old’s 175th postseason appearance.

Harden has been in his fair share of playoff battles, and he has firmly cemented his postseason legacy over his 17 years in the NBA. The 11-time All-Star added another feather in his cap on Monday.

The NBA announced Harden’s latest career milestone on social media.

“Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @cavs for moving up to 7th on the all-time playoff ASSISTS list!” the league posted on X.

Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @cavs for moving up to 7th on the all-time playoff ASSISTS list!

NBA Playoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/xn4WcHvVCl
— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2026

Harden just passed Boston Celtics icon and two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo on the esteemed list. Harden is now just seven assists away from overtaking Hall of Famer Tony Parker for sixth all-time in playoff assists.

It has been a tightly contested affair in Rocket Arena thus far as the Cavs look to pull away. As of writing, Harden and Co. are up 79-71 with 1:49 remaining in the third quarter.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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