NBA Playoffs: James Harden Playoff Struggles Continue, Thunder Defeat Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are down 0-2 in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder after a 125-107 loss in Game 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren each scored 22 points for Oklahoma City, while the Thunder’s bench played a major role in the win, outscoring the Lakers’ reserves 48-20. Austin Reaves led Los Angeles with 31 points, and LeBron James added 23 in his 300th career playoff game, but the Lakers struggled with turnovers and were overwhelmed by Oklahoma City’s depth and defense. The Thunder took control with a dominant third-quarter run and remain undefeated in the postseason. The series now shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3, where the Lakers will try to avoid falling into a nearly insurmountable 0-3 deficit.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are down 0-2 in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Detroit Pistons after losing Game 2 by a score of 107-97. James Harden struggled with an inefficient performance, adding to criticism of his playoff play. The defeat has increased pressure on Cleveland heading into Game 3, which will be played at home as the Cavaliers try to avoid falling into a difficult 0-3 series deficit. Why does Harden struggle in the playoffs? Can Cleveland come back?