James Harden struggles in Sport 2 as Cavaliers stumble vs. Pistons

Up to date Might 7, 2026, 10:18 p.m. ET

The Detroit Pistons have taken a 2-0 lead on the Cleveland Cavaliers within the convention semifinals with their 107-97 victory Thursday, Might 7. This comes two days after the Pistons beat the Cavaliers 111-101 in Game 1.

And whereas each contests had been performed on the Pistons’ dwelling court docket, Little Caesars Area – so not totally surprising outcomes – Cleveland had probabilities in each video games to steal a win on the street. However for the second sport in a row, Cavaliers star James Harden struggled – particularly within the first half.

The Cavaliers acquired Harden, a three-time scoring champ and 11-time All-Star at this yr’s commerce deadline, partly to assist them make a deeper run within the playoffs than final yr, when, as the highest seed within the East, they had been upset by the Indiana Pacers 4-1 within the convention semifinals.

If Cleveland needs to go deeper this yr, they may want Harden to knock down extra photographs, be rather more correct on his 3-point capturing, improve his assists and tone down his turnovers. Harden made a dedicated an important turnover with 30 seconds remaining in Sport 2 with Cleveland down six factors and making an attempt to rally.

In Sport 1 in opposition to the Pistons on Tuesday, Might 5, Harden scored 22 factors however shot simply 40% (6-for-15) from the sphere and made solely 1-of-7 3-pointers (14.2%). And whereas he dished out seven assists, he additionally turned the ball over seven instances.

Harden and the Cavaliers have an opportunity to proper the ship Saturday, May 9 after they host Detroit in Sport 3 at 3 p.m. ET (NBC), however they should reset rapidly.

Listed below are Harden’s stats from Sport 2 for the primary half and the sport: