Was James Harden the main reason the Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 1 to the Detroit Pistons?
the Cavaliers could have done a better job with their offense, starting with James Harden. Harden had 22, but committed a game-high seven turnovers for Cleveland.
Melo, T-Mac calls out The Beard
Coming into the postseason, everyone knew the Pistons’ calling card was defense. They led the 16-team field in defensive rating (102.5) and allowed the fewest field goals made (33.5) and field goal percentage (40.4 percent).
Meanwhile, the Cavs are armed with one of the better offenses in the game. Cleveland ranks top five in the 2026 postseason in points per game and offensive rating, and third in 3-pointers made (13.4).
That’s why, for NBA on NBC analysts Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady, the only solution for Cleveland is to have Harden attack the Pistons’ defense before they set. The Beard has the ability to keep Detroit on its heels, but inexplicably decides to go iso, allowing the No. 1 seed to sit on passing lanes and force turnovers.
“For me, James has to stop playing with the ball and just go,” Anthony said. “Make one or two moves, get past the man, make a play, make them rotate. Every time you ‘tween, ‘tween, ‘tween, ‘tween, the court is shrinking and shrinking and shrinking. All eyes on you. I would love to see him just make a move, get downhill.” | https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dont-dancing-top-key-tracy-105100624.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALE5YCJhJRnR3g77XcsQUen9ZxaT8G1yS-ORnJSXxUSzKoz8Cs4hYZeM2XkZDuFdHrpJgi6gzIHoUovzjTWaFA-FdWxfVGnBcXiShv7hNX69s45_zcEKs5-KnzRQbeP1hjiOkqpyoRFndaUECbVUPHbnsRf801oIl3HLS4ja2gab
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