James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers knew that turnovers were a big issue in their Game 1 loss against the Detroit Pistons.
For Harden, it was a familiar scenario as the star guard has struggled with turning the ball over many times throughout his playoff career. That’s something that the legendary Charles Barkley couldn’t help but shine a light on this week.
Charles Barkley Sounds Off On James Harden
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Charles Barkley looks on prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“I saw a stat the other day. He’s had 29 games in the playoffs, where he’s had more turnovers than field goals made,” Barkley said on ESPN.
“I saw that stat the other day on ESPN, and I said that can’t be a true stat. It shouldn’t be over five! It’s about the made field goals. He should never have more turnovers than made field goals. 29 times! It was 181 games!”
As much as Barkley was in disbelief, essentially calling out Harden for his turnover woes in the preseason, the former star player made it clear that he remains a big fan of Harden’s game.
“Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and James Harden, in my opinion, have been the three best scorers in the last 25 years,” Barkley added. “I love James Harden’s game.”
The Hall of Famer simply wants to see the Cavaliers star do better.
What Did James Harden Say About Turnover Struggles?
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 13: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks backcourt during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 13, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
In Game 1 against the Pistons, Harden checked in for 35 minutes.
The star guard shot 6-15 from the field and made just one of his seven shots from beyond the arc. Harden produced 22 points.
The Game 1 111-101 loss for the Cavs was one of those unfortunate outings where Harden turned the ball over more times than he put the ball in the basket. He finished the game with seven turnovers, which marked the third time he had seven-plus during this postseason.
“Some of them are, if you look within first and look at my turnovers, a lot of them are just on me,” Harden told reporters. “Nothing they did, which also led to, I don’t know how many transition points they have, but it was way too many. If I had to put my print on one thing on the game, that’s the game right there. How many points did they have in transition? That’s the game. It’s nothing else.”
As Harden knew what to pinpoint after the Game 1 loss, he has a clear idea of what he needs to do to improve before Game 2 on Thursday night.
“You know, for me, I got to be better,” Harden admitted. “I will be better turning the baksetball over. From turning the basketball over and getting shots up, and then it gives our defense a chance to get back and get set. Other than that, I think we played a pretty solid game.”
The Cavaliers and the Pistons are set for a 7 PM ET tip on Thursday.