Kenny Atkinson Explains Not Benching James Harden In Loss to Knicks, '1 of Our Best Defenders'

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard James Harden was targeted by the New York Knicks throughout their epic comeback win in overtime in Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

While Harden's defense has come into question after the Cavs squandered a 22-point fourth-quarter lead on their way to a 115-104 loss, he apparently hasn't lost the confidence of Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson, who told reporters after the game that he didn't consider benching the 36-year-old as New York stormed back.

"He's been one of our best defenders in these playoffs," Atkinson said of Harden. "I trust him. Smart. Great hands. Didn't think about that."

The Knicks trailed 93-71 with just under eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before ending regulation with a 30-8 scoring run to force overtime. During the final two frames, Harden was targeted as the screen defender in a whopping 21 on-ball picks. Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson scored 15 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter to spearhead the comeback.

Cavaliers-Knicks Highlights

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After the game, New York head coach Mike Brown admitted that the strategy down the stretch was to exploit Harden's poor defense.

"Just like we have to figure out different ways to guard Harden and [Donovan] Mitchell, they have to find ways to guard Jalen," Brown said. "It was no secret: We were attacking Harden."

The Cavs will have to figure out a way to stop Harden from being a liability on defense if they hope to avoid a similar fate when they meet the Knicks for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.