Two of the Cleveland Cavaliers All-Stars confirmed up huge in Recreation 2 of their second-round collection. James Harden didn’t.
Harden had extra turnovers than made baskets within the Cavs’ 107-97 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Cleveland’s huge midseason acquisition completed with 10 factors and three assists and was totally outplayed by former teammate Tobias Harris.
James Harden would not belief his shot
Harden shot 0-of-4 on three-pointers after going 1-for-7 from distance in Recreation 1. He is 3-of-20 from behind the arc in his final 4 playoff video games and solely 33 p.c from the ground. The one a part of Harden’s offensive recreation that was working — drawing fouls — deserted him in Recreation 2, as he received to the road for less than 4 free throws.
On the defensive finish, he usually discovered himself matched up with Harris, who spent two playoff collection alongside Harden with the Philadelphia 76ers. Harris scored 21 factors and grabbed seven rebounds.
However what killed the Cavaliers offense was that Harden appeared very uncomfortable along with his shot. Numerous instances, Harden would drive into the mid-range space, then hearth a bounce cross after showing poised to shoot. But he wasn’t getting teammates high-quality seems as a lot as he was merely giving up the ball, as demonstrated by his ending with solely three assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers cannot discover the best combos
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledges the struggles his staff is having offensively, averaging 99 factors within the collection. He experimented with completely different permutations of his 4 All-Stars, succeeding in Recreation 2 With Donovan Mitchell (31 factors) and Jarrett Allen (22 factors), the Cavaliers thrived. With Harden and Evan Mobley (9 factors), they sputtered.
Harden did not rating within the fourth quarter, lacking the one shot he took. His total contribution within the remaining 8:45 was two defensive rebounds and one help as Detroit outscored Cleveland, 23-14.
The Cavaliers do not want Harden to succeed in the heights of his All-Star prime to win this collection, however in addition they cannot have him approaching the depths of his worst playoff losses. If Harden cannot begin logging extra made baskets than turnovers, the Cavaliers are in deep trouble.
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