Winners and Losers: Cavs vs Pistons Game 1 – Unforced errors seal their fate

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 05: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 05, 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 missed an opportunity to steal Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons.

Let’s go over today’s winners and losers. LOSER – Turnovers Cleveland turned it over 20 times tonight, allowing 31 points off those turnovers. That might be the fastest way to guarantee yourself a loss on the road.

The ball was especially slippery for James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, who combined for 10 turnovers to just 9 assists. Harden was the primary culprit, coughing it up seven times tonight and a whopping 43 times throughout the playoffs so far. Harden has felt like an offensive stabilizer for the Cavs.

Even more so when Mitchell was struggling in round one. But he’s got to be more careful with the ball, or these ugly turnovers will seal their fate. There’s no way around it.