Following Game 2 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons, the former Miami Heat veteran Udonis Haslem expressed his frustrations with the star guard, James Harden.
With two games down in the second-round series, Harden is struggling to take care of offensive possessions.
In 37 minutes on Thursday, Harden turned the ball over a team-high four times. The Cavaliers lost the turnover with 11 total.
Udonis Haslem Sounds Off On James Harden
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. 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 Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
âI just continue to be caught off guard by the possessions. The carelessness with the basketball of Cleveland in the playoffs,” Haslem said of the Cavs.
“Itâs just like confusing to me, especially when youâre playing a team like Detroit that struggles to score in the half-court. Not to take anything away from what theyâve been able to do, but the Magic gave us the blueprint. They are a one-trick pony in the half-court. How could you give these guys 31 points off turnovers?”
For the second game in a row, the Pistons spent four quarters controlling the matchup. While the Cavaliers got within reach down the stretch, there was never a moment when the Pistons lost control.
At this stage of Harden’s career, Haslem believes that this many mistakes are too unnecessary.
“There are 5 guys who have been in the NBA that have went to the playoffs 17-plus consecutive times. Stockton, Malone, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, James Harden. Why the hell are you turning the ball over so much? You have been in the playoffs and know what it’s like to be in the playoffs. Why the hell are you turning the ball over? It’s so self-inflicted wounds, one-handed passes. Things that I would take my son out the game for if I was coaching him for throwing passes like that. Why are you having these kind of passes and plays in the second round of the playoffs? I don’t understand that.”
The Cavaliers Drop Another Game
GettyDonovan Mitchell #45 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers react against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
With a 107-97 loss, the Cavs are now trailing the Pistons 0-2 in the second-round series.
Harden checked into Thursday’s game for 37 minutes. He shot 3-13 from the field, and missed all four of his shots from three.
Harden wrapped up the game with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and four turnovers.
The Cavs are fortunate to get the series in Ohio on Saturday for Game 3 on May 9. They are entering a desperate level as they must avoid falling to 0-3 this weekend.
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