James Harden turns in a disaster, Cavs fall 0-2 to Pistons

Q: What was the final score of the Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 2?

The final score was 107-97 in favor of the Detroit Pistons.

Q: How did James Harden perform in Game 2 against the Pistons?

James Harden had a poor performance, shooting 1-9 from the floor with 3 turnovers and only 1 assist in the first half.

Q: What does the Cavaliers' 0-2 deficit mean for their playoff chances?

The Cavaliers now face significant pressure to win their upcoming home games to stay alive in the playoffs.

Q: Who were the standout players in the Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 2?

Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points for the Cavaliers, while Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 25 points and 10 assists.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 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) | Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers lost 107-97 in Game 2 to the Detroit Pistons. Their season now comes down to defending a home stand. The Cavs once again started this game down by double digits. Careless turnovers and poor three-point shooting add up quickly in the NBA Playoffs. Even more so when you’re playing against a 60-win team that has the capacity to burn you. This game started with both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen practically handing the ball straight to on separate plays. James Harden and would join them, coughing it up throughout the first half for five combined turnovers. The Cavs had nine turnovers overall by halftime. Harden was especially bad in the opening half. He started the night shooting 1-9 from the floor with 3 turnovers to just 1 assist. Some of his decision-making was as puzzling as it gets. He now has 30 career playoff games with more turnovers than made field goals. The margin for error in the playoffs is remarkably small, and it continues to shrink the further you go. For all the credit that Detroit deserves, the Cavs are not giving themselves a chance with the way they are turning it over. Cleveland’s saving grace was getting to the free-throw line. They attempted 12 free throws in the first half. That helped them make up for a 3-14 start from downtown and kept the Pistons from totally running away with this one. This put the Cavs in a position to rally in the second half. The Cavs flipped the script, only turning it over once until the final minutes of the fourth quarter (when Harden dribbled his way into a trap). Mitchell came alive for the first time in this series, scoring 31 points. He still settled for a few difficult jumpers that he shouldn’t have, but overall, Mitchell attacked the basket with more intention than he has in weeks. This spark from Mitchell helped the Cavs pull back into the game and even take a momentary lead in the fourth quarter. That would quickly evaporate, as (21 points) and Duncan Robinson (17 points) hit timely shots to close the door. poured in 25 points and 10 assists for the Pistons. Cleveland goes back home feeling like they could have won either of the first two games, but stay in a 0-2 hole regardless.