NBA Makes Three Announcements Involving James Harden on Monday

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

NBA Makes Three Announcements Involving James Harden on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated May 11, 2026 11:25 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers need to win Game 4 badly against the Detroit Pistons and their stars delivered to get the 112-103 victory. Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points, 39 of them in the second half, while James Harden had 24 points and 11 assists.

The Pistons’ two stars struggled, with Cade Cunningham being limited to 19 points and committing five turnovers. Jalen Duren also appeared lost at times, finishing with only eight points.

Harden’s numbers are no longer as staggering as they were during his MVP years, but he has already said that he joined the Cavs to play a role and defer to Mitchell. He may not record triple-doubles as often as he used to, but that hardly matters as the Cavaliers were able to tie the series.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden works his way around the defense of Duncan Robinson of the Detroit PistonsKen Blaze-Imagn Images

What he did achieve on Monday, however, was a trio of milestones. The NBA made three announcements regarding the 11-time All-Star and his place in league history.

Harden further cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats by climbing the charts during Monday’s game. He stepped up defensively and recorded three steals, moving him to seventh on the NBA’s all-time playoff steals list. He surpassed Jason Kidd, and the late Kobe Bryant is next on the list.

He also went to the free-throw line nine times and made all of his attempts. As a result, he is now No. 8 on the all-time list for most free throws made in NBA postseason history.

Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @cavs for moving up to 8th on the all-time playoff FREE THROWS MADE list!

NBA Playoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/HcoaMXsltO
— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2026

The third milestone is a testament to his longevity and success in the playoffs. The NBA said Game 4 put him 15th on the all-time playoff GAMES PLAYED list. Next up on the list is Robert Parrish.

Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @cavs for moving up to 15th on the all-time playoff GAMES PLAYED list!

NBA Playoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/95qrraNr7K
— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2026

The series is now a Best of 3 affair and moves back to the Little Caesars Arena. Harden still have a chance to collect more milestone and get the one he covet the most - an NBA title.

Cunningham previously said that they remain confident with their chances. The Cavs might have just changed their mind.

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

More must-reads: