During Friday’s Game 6 loss, Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden moved up the wrong kind of leaderboard.
With eight turnovers on the night against the Detroit Pistons, Harden now has the third-most turnovers in the playoffs all-time. He surpassed Shaquille O’Neal.
via StatMuse: James Harden in Game 6: 8 turnovers, 6 field goals. Moves to third all-time in playoff turnovers.
8 turnovers 6 field goals
Moves to third all-time in playoff turnovers.
On one hand, that’s a tough list to be high on.
On the other hand, Harden is surrounded by elite talent. The top five include Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and O’Neal. The two unfortunate factors about it are the fact that Harden is one of two players in the top five to be there in under 200 postseason games.
He’s also the only player who doesn’t have a championship victory on his resume.
James Harden’s Chances Are Slipping
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 05: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks off the court after the second quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers were in great shape heading into Game 6 at home.
Despite starting the second round with an 0-2 deficit against the first-seeded Pistons, the Cavaliers fired off three wins in a row to take a 3-2 lead.
In Friday’s action, the Cavs lacked urgency. The Pistons controlled the game throughout the night–which is similar to the Game 5 matchup–but no comebacks were in store for Cleveland.
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)
The Pistons defeated the Cavaliers 115-94.
Harden checked in for 37 minutes of action. He shot 6-13 from the field, 3-8 from three, and 8-10 from the free-throw line to score 23 points. Harden also had seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. But once again, turnovers were a major issue for the Cavs.
With that loss, the Cavaliers will have to play again on Sunday, May 17, in Detroit. The series belongs to the winner of that game.