The Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs to the Detroit Pistons, 111-101, despite erasing an 18-point deficit. Turnovers were a critical issue, particularly for James Harden, who had seven turnovers during the game.
Key points
Cavaliers lost Game 1 to Pistons, 111-101
Cavs erased an 18-point deficit
Turnovers were a major issue for Cleveland
James Harden had 22 points and 7 turnovers
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points but struggled
Cleveland CavaliersDetroit Pistons
May 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers erased an 18-point deficit to tie the Detroit Pistons midway through the fourth, but an inability to get stops and scores when they needed them wound up in Detroit escaping with a 111-101 Game 1 victory.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. A āBā grade represents that player performing to our expectations for them.
**James Harden**
*22 points, 7 assists, 8 rebounds*
Harden was brought in to help with games like this. They needed someone who could provide consistent ball-handling, playmaking, and relieve some of the pressure off . Throughout the regular season and parts of the first-round series against the , he did that. However, thereās also been too many times he seems a step slow and isnāt able to take care of the ball. We saw that latter version far too much in Game 1.
Turnovers are painful in any context, but they hurt so much more against a team that struggles with its half-court offense. The amount of giveaways allowed Detroit to get out in transition and pick up easy baskets. To be clear, turnovers were a team-wide issue. Harden isnāt the only one to blame. At the same time, thereās no excuse for your starting point guard to have seven turnovers.
Harden turned things around in the fourth quarter. Seven-straight points allowed the Cavs to tie the game. However, if he takes care of the ball like he shouldāve they donāt find themselves in the hole they were in.
***Grade: D***
Q&A
What were the key reasons for the Cavaliers' loss in Game 1 against the Pistons?
The Cavaliers lost primarily due to turnovers, which allowed the Pistons to capitalize and score easily in transition.
How did James Harden perform in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Pistons?
James Harden scored 22 points but had a disappointing performance with seven turnovers, leading to a grade of D.
What impact did Donovan Mitchell have in the Cavaliers' Game 1 loss?
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points but struggled to be a scoring threat, taking only one shot in the restricted area, resulting in a grade of D+.
What were Evan Mobley's contributions in the Cavaliers' playoff loss to the Pistons?
Evan Mobley recorded 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, but failed to dominate the paint as needed, earning a grade of D+.
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*23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists*
Mitchell hasnāt been himself since Game 2 of the first round. Heās registered fewer than 25 points in his last six games and hasnāt been forceful in getting to the basket. This game was no different, as he took just one shot in the restricted area and had only two free-throw attempts.
There isnāt much else to Mitchellās game if he isnāt a premier scoring threat. And this whole team falls apart if heās not scoring at an elite level. Twenty-three points on 9-19 shooting just isnāt going to cut it in a road playoff game.
***Grade: D+***
*14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks*
The Cavs needed a big game from one of the members of the core four to steal this one. There were times in the first half where it felt like it was going to come from Mobley, but that didnāt pan out.
Cleveland needed Mobley to step up with Allen in foul trouble, and he didnāt. Detroitās offensive rebounding helped win them this game. And even though itās unfair to pin that all on one person, Mobley couldāve done a better job of keeping Detroitās bigs, particularly Jalen Duren, off the glass.
There were some positive signs from Mobley. I thought the passing was quite good. But this is a game they needed their big man to set the tone in the paint, and he couldnāt.
***Grade: D+***
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*19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists*
Strusās 10-point third quarter got the Cavs back into a game. His shooting and grit helped turn the momentum and were much needed on a night that Cleveland struggled to get any offensive consistency.
Sometimes Strusās impact isnāt felt on the box score. It was tonight with his efficient 19 points on 13 shots.
***Grade: A+***
*3 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists*
Ellis got his first real minutes of the postseason since he was benched after Game 4 against the Raptors, after Sam Merrill left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. He performed adequately in his role. Ellis picked up Cade Cunningham full court and showed his active hands, registering two steals. Thatās exactly what you want to see from Ellis if heās forced into minutes.
***Grade: B-***
*2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist*
Allen picked up three fouls in the first quarter, which limited his minutes the rest of the game. Head coach Kenny Atkinson shouldāve given him more than just 16 minutes after the first quarter, but Allen also canāt put himself in that position in the first place.
The Cavs needed Allenās ability on the offensive glass and the rim pressure he provides. Neither was possible due to foul trouble.
***Grade: D***
*9 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound*
Schroder provided some scoring punch and energy off the bench. That was needed. What wasnāt was the four turnovers he also committed.
Giveaways were what cost them this game. Schroder was the teamās second biggest offender. Thatās going to knock his grade significantly.
***Grade: D+***
*5 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds*
The Cavs needed Wadeās defense on Cade Cunningham. Conversely, they also struggled offensively whenever he was on the floor due to Detroit cheating off him and his inability to make them pay with either his outside shot or attacking off-the-dribble.
***Grade: C-***
*4 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists*
Iām not sure why Bryant got meaningful minutes in the second half of this game. He hasnāt made a positive impact in the previous postseason games heās played in, and didnāt do so again tonight. Once again, Bryant was a step slow defensively, wasnāt able to clean the glass, and didnāt provide anything on offense.
I get that they needed some additional minutes at center with Allen in foul trouble. But there wasnāt room in this game to give him 10 minutes of run.
***Grade: D***
**Sam Merrill**
*0 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist*
Merrill left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. He was limited to under seven minutes in Game 1.
***Grade: Incomplete***
*0 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist*
Tyson didnāt make an impact as a scorer, but he did a good job of staying with Detroitās wings ā including Cunningham ā defensively. That, combined with being a reliable rebounder, made him a useful player even though he wasnāt making an impact as a scorer.
***Grade: C+***