The Cleveland Cavaliers' recent playoff struggles against the Detroit Pistons have sparked a lot of discussion, with James Harden's performance taking center stage. While it's easy to point fingers at the 36-year-old star, I believe there's more to this story than meets the eye. In my opinion, the Cavs' early hole and late-game struggles are a result of a deeper issue within the team, and it's not entirely Harden's fault.
What makes this situation particularly intriguing is the contrast between Harden's current abilities and his past glory days. He's no longer the player who can break down defenses off the dribble, and his defense against the Pistons was a clear indicator of that. However, to label him as a 'star' based on past achievements is a bit of a misnomer. At this stage of his career, his physical capabilities are no longer what they once were, and that's something the team needs to acknowledge.
One thing that immediately stands out is the team's overall performance. The Cavs have been struggling with late-game offense, and this game was no exception. They couldn't get anything going to the basket, and their three-point shooting was abysmal. This has been a recurring theme throughout the postseason, with Cleveland going 0-11 from three in the fourth quarter. It's as if the team has hit a wall, and it's not just Harden's fault.
From my perspective, the real issue lies in the team's core. Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell, the All-NBA players, need to step up and be the leaders this team needs. Mobley, in particular, needs to be more impactful, especially in lineups without Jarrett Allen. Nine points and one rebound in a road playoff game is not enough from a player of his skill set.
The Cavs' 4-13 postseason road record in the Mitchell era is a stark reminder of the issues that have plagued them. The coach, supporting cast, and starting point guard have changed, but the problems persist. This blame falls on the core group that has been there through it all, and it's time for them to take responsibility.
In my view, Harden was brought in to help this team get over the hump, not to carry the entire load. He's supposed to provide supplemental on-ball creation and draw extra attention, not be the sole savior. The team's late-game struggles are a result of a collective failure, not just Harden's poor performance.
Looking ahead, the Cavs have time to right the ship. They're down 0-2, but they still have a chance to turn things around. However, it's going to take a collective effort from the All-NBA players in their prime. The team needs to find a way to elevate their game and overcome the defensive problems presented by the Pistons. While things look bleak right now, it's not over yet, and the Cavs still have a chance to fight back from the 0-2 hole.
