That\u2019s why Harden is the player that needs to show up against the Raptors.<\/p>\n
Harden has been a welcomed addition to the Cavaliers, as the team\u2019s turnaround really took off once he arrived. A true point guard, Harden has shown a willingness to get teammates involved while taking a backseat to Donovan Mitchell, who has been playing an inspired brand of basketball since his new backcourt partner arrived.<\/p>\n
What does Harden need to do differently in NBA Playoffs?<\/p>\n
Harden has successfully unlocked Cleveland\u2019s two bigs, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.<\/p>\n
Heading into the NBA Playoffs, Mobley is playing some of the best basketball of his career. Mobley and Allen have both dominated the paint<\/a> since Harden\u2019s arrival, catching lobs and making life easy on their 37-year-old guard.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Raptors are one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league. They ranked 26th or worse in both 3-pointers attempted (32.1 per game) and 3-pointers made (11 per game).<\/p>\n This series can be wrapped up quickly if Harden trusts his jumpshot. Since arriving in Cleveland, Harden has been passive. But his playmaking ability has helped Harden shake the \u201cballhog\u201d label that has followed him throughout his career.<\/p>\n Now, it\u2019s time to let Harden just shoot the rock.<\/p>\n The Cavs are a good three-point shooting team. It\u2019s what drives their offense. The roster is littered with capable three ball shooters, including Mitchell, Max Strus<\/a>, Sam Merrill and Dean Wade, who will all play meaningful minutes against Toronto. But there\u2019s no reason for Harden to be passive in this series, as the Raptors won\u2019t be able to keep up with him and Cleveland\u2019s offense.<\/p>\n Since arriving in Cleveland, Harden is shooting 43.5% from three-point territory. He\u2019s shooting seven threes per night, which feels like a lot. But the Cavaliers will encourage Harden to let it fly against the Raptors. If they can outscore Toronto early in these games, it\u2019ll suffocate the Raptors, who just won\u2019t have enough talent to keep up.<\/p>\n Harden has fit seamlessly into Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson\u2019s system. Now, it\u2019s time for the 37-year-old to show the world why Cleveland acquired him.<\/p>\n
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