Cavs backcourt eyes first NBA title as postseason begins
cavs-backcourt-pursues-first-championship
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden enter the 2026 playoffs determined to erase long-standing questions about their postseason résumés. Mitchell, now in his ninth NBA season, has never advanced beyond the second round. Harden, appearing in the playoffs for the 17th consecutive year, owns a single NBA Finals trip—Houston’s 2012 loss to Miami.
“We live in a ring culture,” Mitchell told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. “Does a ring change the narrative? Sure … There’s a level of desperation to try to change what our narratives have been.” Mitchell added that Harden’s ability to reach the postseason every year is “equally as impressive,” but both guards believe a championship would solidify their legacies.
Harden calls Cleveland his best title opportunity
Speaking with the Associated Press, Harden said the current Cavaliers roster represents “the best chance” he has had to secure a ring. The former league MVP, who can become a free agent by declining his 2026-27 player option, dismissed talk of past disappointments. “Run up against a dynasty, injuries—it’s a part of the game … I don’t dwell on it,” Harden said.
Luxury-tax implications loom
Fred Katz of The Athletic reports that Cleveland’s playoff run will heavily influence offseason decisions. The Cavaliers trimmed salary at February’s deadline yet finished 2025-26 as the NBA’s only team over the second tax apron and are projected to remain above that line in 2026-27. According to Katz, Harden is expected to opt out in search of a new contract.
Strong start in Game 1
The Cavaliers opened the postseason Saturday with a home win over Toronto. The Athletic’s Eric Koreen, Jason Lloyd, Zach Powell and Joe Vardon noted the Raptors struggled to contain Cleveland’s star guards, who combined for 54 points, 14 assists, five rebounds and four steals.
Source: Hoops Rumors
