Cavs still back Harden after second consecutive rough outing
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DETROIT — James Harden’s postseason drought deepened Thursday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers fell 107-97 to the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The 17-year veteran converted just 3 of 13 shots, missed all four attempts from beyond the arc and turned the ball over four times. It marked the second straight contest — and the fourth in nine playoff games — in which Harden finished with more turnovers than made field goals.
Despite the slump, backcourt partner Donovan Mitchell voiced unwavering support. “He’s James Harden; we’re not sitting here worried,” Mitchell said after scoring 31 points to end his own shooting skid. “He’s going to figure this out.”
Cleveland trails the best-of-seven series 2-0 after dropping both games at Little Caesars Arena. Game 3 is set for Saturday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Harden, acquired at midseason in a trade that sent 26-year-old former All-Star Darius Garland to the LA Clippers, went scoreless in the first and fourth quarters. All four of his fourth-quarter points came at the free throw line, and he attempted only two shots after halftime.
“Just missing shots,” Harden said. “Second half, I think I took two shots, but the ball was moving. We’re getting better shots. So just picking and choosing my spots and figuring out what works, what doesn’t work, for the betterment of the team.”
The Cavaliers were outscored by 15 while Harden was on the floor, the worst plus-minus of any player in Game 2.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson accepted responsibility for Harden’s limited role after intermission. “We can’t have our Hall of Famer taking two shots in the second half. I’ll take that one,” Atkinson said, explaining that a plan to increase tempo inadvertently left Harden on the perimeter.
Harden’s most costly miscue came with 33.3 seconds remaining. Cleveland trailed by six when he dribbled into the lane against Tobias Harris and lost control, resulting in a steal by Ausar Thompson.
Mitchell acknowledged spacing issues contributed to the turnover. “You think of just little things, spacing, trying to get him easier looks,” he said. “We’ll be fine. We’ll figure it out.”
Source: ESPN
