James Harden Reaches NBA Playoffs Milestone in Raptors-Cavaliers Game 1

The 36-year-old guard moved into 13th place on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the action on the court.Harden's historic playoff scoring milestone underscores his enduring impact as the Cavaliers chase an elusive championship.Cleveland Today

In Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, veteran guard James Harden moved into 13th place on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list, passing Larry Bird. Harden, who was acquired by the Cavs in a midseason trade, has now scored 3,897 career postseason points, trailing only Dwyane Wade and Tony Parker on the all-time list.

Why it matters

Harden's milestone is a testament to his longevity and scoring prowess in the playoffs, where he has established himself as one of the most prolific postseason scorers in NBA history. As the Cavaliers make a push for their first championship since 2016, Harden's experience and scoring ability will be crucial in their quest to win a title.

The details

Harden was acquired by the Cavaliers in a February trade that sent two-time All-Star Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers. Since joining the Cavs, Harden has averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, providing veteran leadership and scoring punch to a team led by Donovan Mitchell. In Game 1 against the Raptors, Harden moved past Larry Bird on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list, cementing his status as one of the league's most prolific postseason scorers.

  • Harden entered the game with 3,895 career postseason points.
  • He passed Larry Bird (3,897) in the first half of Game 1 against the Raptors.

The players

James Harden

An 11-time NBA All-Star and three-time scoring champion, Harden was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a midseason trade. He is now 13th on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list.

Donovan Mitchell

The star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who has formed a formidable duo with James Harden since the latter's arrival in a midseason trade.

Darius Garland

The two-time NBA All-Star who was traded from the Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers in the deal that brought James Harden to Cleveland.

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What they’re saying

“I'm pretty happy and my life is amazing. Even without a title, I'm fulfilled by what I've already accomplished.”

— James Harden

What’s next

The Cavaliers and Raptors will continue their first-round playoff series, with Harden looking to lead Cleveland to a deep postseason run and potentially his first NBA championship.

The takeaway

James Harden's move up the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list is a testament to his longevity and scoring prowess, cementing his status as one of the league's most prolific postseason scorers. As he joins forces with Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland, Harden's experience and scoring ability will be crucial in the Cavaliers' quest for their first championship since 2016.