The article discusses the recent NBA playoff series, focusing on the Miami Heat's sweep by the Cavaliers and the performances of Jimmy Butler and James Harden. Despite strong regular-season stats, Harden's playoff failures continue to spark debates comparing him with Dwyane Wade. The piece highlights that while both players excelled in the regular season, Wade's defensive abilities and clutch performances in critical playoff moments give him the edge over Harden, whose postseason struggles were once again evident in a recent Game 7 loss.
Both are phenomenal regular-season players who elevated their team's floor and ceiling for the full 82-game slate. Harden had the greater counting stats in the regular season due to his inflated usage rate. But Wade was the far superior two-way player.
Harden's mixed a couple of good elimination game performances over his career; he overcame those woes in Game 6 mere days ago. But his shortcomings far supersede his best when the lights turn brightest, including in Game 7s.
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