With Game 1 in the rearview, the Cleveland Cavaliers are down 0-1 against the Detroit Pistons.
James Harden and the Cavs took on a disappointing 111-101 loss on Tuesday night.
Following the game, James Harden and Donovan Mitchell both acknowledged the high turnover rate they had on the offensive end as a difference-maker. Harden explained the issues from his point of view.
James Harden Addresses Turnovers In Game 1
DENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of the game at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
“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.”
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 head coach Kenny Atkinson and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Harden played a total of 35 minutes in Game 1. He turned the ball over for a game-high seven times. In total, the Cavaliers lost the turnover battle 19-11.
“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 Go Down
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 03: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to Game Seven against the Toronto Raptors in the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 03, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Harden shot 6-15 from the field on Tuesday night, and went 9-9 from the free-throw line. He struggled with his three-ball, making just 1-7 shots from deep.
The star guard produced 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Harden, and the Cavaliers will be back on the court on Thursday, May 7, to take on the Pistons once again, before returning home to Cleveland for the weekend.