Throughout his elite NBA career, Cleveland Cavaliers’ James Harden suffered highs and lows. A gifted scorer, Harden earned a negative reputation for disappearing in playoff games. However, now that his team has won a Game 7, the thought would normally center on the following series. Yet, one sports commentator offered a contrasting viewpoint. As a result, NBA social media responded in kind.
NBA Social Media Blasts Emmanuel Acho Over James Harden Takes
Cleveland advances to the Eastern Conference finals with a Game 7 victory over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. Attention focused on the Cavaliers guards, Harden and Donovan Mitchell. Acho, a former NFL linebacker, details this on his “Speakeasy” podcast, while he believes the latter deserves the credit, not the former.
“Donovan Mitchell won in spite of James Harden,” Acho proclaimed following the performance that placed the Cavaliers within four wins of the NBA Finals. Social media did not respond kindly to what Acho had to say.
“Bs. James closed the crucial game 3; otherwise Cavs is down 0-3. He played well for game 4 and 5 too,” wrote user bay walker. In Game 3, Harden scored nine points in the fourth quarter, allowing Cleveland to push a one-point lead to a final margin of seven. Within that, with 9:16 remaining, a key Harden rebound and assist widened the lead to six, forcing the Pistons to play even further from behind.
“This is such a stupid f**king convo. What about the other games when Donovan was a no-show and Harden was carrying? It just wasn’t his night. “He more than fulfilled his responsibilities in this series,” said user SWAGGY C. The Cavs enjoyed Harden scoring at least 19 points in nine of the team’s 14 games. In those games, Cleveland won six of them, establishing Harden as a factor.
“You should stop speaking on basketball lmfaoooooo, brother; your take STINKS,” commented HARDINI. Acho’s forte is football, as he played that at both the collegiate and professional levels. His comments continuously drew the ire of fans.
“He was a plus 31, so let your agenda rest,” user Blessed Tega added. Harden’s plus-31 is his highest mark in the postseason this season. In other words, when he was on the court, the Cavs’ offense succeeded. While Harden did score just nine points, his six assists helped move the offense.
“Gravity, playmaking, rebounding, defense. He did the little things. But go off… hold this W too,” interjected X user Jordan. Harden’s ability to run the offense as a point guard allowed Mitchell to focus on scoring. Plus, on defense, he forced the Pistons guards to either get rid of the ball too early or take ill-advised shots. Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham scored 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
“Harden won games inspire of Donovan, that is why it is a team sport. stop the hate, MF series is over!” interjected another X user, Kim. The addition of Harden via a midseason trade helped the Cavaliers add backcourt scoring punch, as he has shot 46.6% from the field since his arrival.
“Emmanuel Acho out here rewriting box scores because his agenda said so. 😂 Harden drops a +31 in a Game 7 road closeout, facilitates, rebounds, defends, does the winning stuff… and y’all still screaming ‘Mitchell carried him’ Bro played better than half the Cavs roster. Stop the cap. Spida carried? Nah, the duo ate. Agenda merchants in shambles.” @EmmanuelAcho tag the L.” proclaimed Henry Akanno.
Granted, Harden is not known for his strong defense. However, the effort he’s displayed during the playoff run helped the Cleveland advance, as they pursue the second NBA title in franchise history. Many believe the victory was a team effort. Can they continue the momentum against the New York Knicks?
