Pushing back against critics of the veteran guard's abysmal box score, the Cleveland Cavaliers front office held a press conference Monday to praise James Harden for perfectly deploying a highly technical offensive collapse.
CLEVELAND — Pushing back against critics of the veteran guard's abysmal box score, the Cleveland Cavaliers front office held a press conference Monday to commend James Harden for flawlessly executing a 2-for-14 shooting performance during Sunday's decisive Game 7.
Team officials emphasized that while a casual observer might see a catastrophic offensive meltdown, advanced analytics reveal that Harden missing 12 field goals and turning the ball over four times was actually a calculated, high-level strategy. By consistently driving into heavy traffic and failing to convert, executives explained, the 34-year-old effectively lulled the opposing defense into a state of deep complacency, opening up the floor for the rest of the roster.
What the traditional box score fails to capture is the elite, $35-million gravitational pull of James bricking a contested step-back three early in the shot clock.
The front office confirmed that the franchise's decision to mortgage multiple unprotected first-round picks and absorb a massive max contract was already paying huge dividends. Executives pointed specifically to Harden's unique veteran ability to stand absolutely motionless 35 feet from the basket while his teammates scrambled to create offense, describing his prolonged bouts of lethargy as "an elite level of floor-spacing that you simply cannot acquire for cheap."
League analysts noted that Harden's presence has dramatically improved the Cavaliers' overall offensive efficiency, primarily because his teammates are now thoroughly terrified to pass him the ball.
The franchise is reportedly eager to offer the guard a multi-year extension when free agency opens in July, confident he can sustain this highly specialized brand of statistical absence through a grueling 82-game regular season.