James Harden appeared to sell a foul a little bit too much late in Sunday’s Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors.
With just a little over a minute left in regulation of what was a virtually decided contest in favor of the Cavs, the Raptors tried to trap Harden near the half-court line and sideline. Toronto forward Scottie Barnes was then called for a foul after seemingly giving Harden a nudge, which sent the former NBA Most Valuable Player crashing into Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, who was standing and watching the action just feet away.
Rajakovic was not ready for the contact, but fans in the first row were there to help break his fall.
Harden tried to give Rajakovic a hand, but the coach got back on his feet and stayed focused on the game.
Here is the video of that moment.
James Harden gets fouled, flops, and unintentionally tackles the Raptors' head coach, Darko Rajaković, to the floor (with replays)
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 4, 2026
This could have ended worse.
Harden makes sure to check on Darko if he is okay. pic.twitter.com/t013O4LtRO
Fortunately for Rajakovic, he did not sustain any injury after absorbing contact from the much bigger Harden. What was more painful for him was the end of the Raptors’ season after the 114-102 loss to the Cavs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Harden scored 18 points on 3/9 shooting from the field and 11/13 from the foul line, while Toronto was paced by Barnes, who had 24 points on 8/14 shooting.
