Overview
- Max Kellerman made the comparison on his Game Over podcast on Wednesday after the Cleveland Cavaliers blew a 22-point fourth-quarter lead to the New York Knicks.
- Conservative outlets called the analogy forced and ridiculous, using Kellerman’s history of political commentary to frame their criticism.
- The comment followed a game in which Harden shot 5-for-16 for 15 points with six turnovers while Knicks coach Mike Brown said New York had intentionally game-planned to attack Harden’s defense.
- The Cavs acquired Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 4, 2026, in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, and Harden averaged about 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 26 games for Cleveland after the trade.
- The exchange has shifted some playoff coverage from X-on-court tactics to media partisanship, raising the stakes on how Harden’s defensive liabilities and the trade are discussed as the series continues.