James Harden nears unwanted NBA playoff record

James Harden is now second all-time in playoff wins without winning an NBA championship after the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons to take a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Harden currently has 97 playoff victories without a title, trailing only Karl Malone, who finished his career with 98 postseason wins without winning a championship.

Only Karl Malone has more playoff wins without a ring than James Harden 😳

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals after beating the Detroit Pistons on the road to take a 3–2 series lead 🔜 pic.twitter.com/pyxtv0iXPA

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) May 14, 2026