The Cleveland Cavaliers have fallen short in the playoffs the last few seasons, but this year could be different.
It’s no secret that the Cleveland Cavaliers have come up short in the playoffs during the Donovan Mitchell era.
Even after steamrolling their way through the regular season a year ago, Cleveland was a second-round exit to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers.
That said, the Cavaliers have more confidence heading into this playoff run compared to the last few seasons, and that starts with Cleveland’s mid-season addition of James Harden.
“James Harden helps a lot with that confidence, quite honestly,” said Kenny Atkinson after Sunday’s win. “I think, like I said, his addition is has given us a confidence.”
Based on how well Haraden has meshed with the Cavaliers since the trade deadline, Cleveland should feel more confident heading into this year’s postseason.
In a Wine and Gold uniform, the 11-time All-Star is averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, while shooting 46 percent from the floor and 43 percent from behind the arc.
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesHarden’s minutes alongside Donovan Mitchell have been encouraging and, as expected, have elevated the plate of both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Atkinson continued, “We already have that with Donovan and Evan, but adding, adding James's super high-level IQ, to meet up, bodes well for improving our playoff performances.”
It’s not just that the Cavaliers have another proven superstar with plenty of playoff experience, but also that the core as a whole is growing and evolving, with more knowledge of what it's like to play in the postseason.
As Atkinson described it, the Cavaliers are a much more mature basketball team.
“We're a more mature ball club,” continued Cleveland’s head coach. “I keep saying that, maturity employees, I think, wins in playoffs. And in IQ, I think we're a higher IQ team.”
The Cavaliers have the right to feel more confident heading into the playoffs because of Harden’s addition and the team’s overall growth. Not only that, but Cleveland has faced adversity this year that it hasn’t in the past, which can help in a seven-game series, too.
The only question left is whether this confidence will actually lead to more postseason success, or if faith isn’t enough for this roster to do the job in April and May.
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