Harden Faces Defensive Scrutiny After Game 1 Collapse

Harden is under scrutiny following the Cavaliers' 115-104 Game 1 loss to the Knicks. Statistics indicate he was repeatedly targeted by New York, with coach Mike Brown utilizing strategies to exploit the matchup. Coach Kenny Atkinson has defended Harden and the team's late-game defensive efforts, stating he has no second-guessing his decision to stick with the veteran despite his issues defending Jalen Brunson during the 22-point fourth-quarter collapse.