James Harden appears to have an in-game argument with coach Kenny Atkinson

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James Harden appears to have an in-game argument with coach Kenny Atkinson

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Nov 4, 2026 9:49 PM ET

The vibes are not looking great in Cleveland right now.

Cavaliers star James Harden was at the center of a seemingly unsavory incident during Wednesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., Harden was in the free-throw area in between foul shots by Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Cleveland’s head coach Kenny Atkinson then began yelling something from the bench area, causing Harden to fire back at him. A mini-argument then appeared to ensue as both Harden and Atkinson raised their voices and threw their arms in exasperation at each other.

Here is the video of the incident.

James Harden and Kenny Atkinson https://t.co/8fIXI2vprd
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 5, 2026

The Cavaliers were down by 22 points to the Thunder at the time of the incident. Harden had also just committed a turnover that led to Gilgeous-Alexander getting fouled on a fastbreak opportunity the other way.

It has been a frustrating overall start to the 2026-27 season for Cleveland as they entered play on Wednesday with an underwhelming 4-3 record. That included a loss to the Thunder on Monday (this time in Cleveland) by a final score of 117-112.

Harden, the former league MVP, is in his first full season with the Cavaliers while Atkinson is in his third season as the team’s head coach. If there is indeed an issue brewing between the two men, it would not be the first time that Harden has clashed with one of his NBA head coaches.

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