All articles tagged with #turnovers
San Antonio's persistent ball-handling issues resurfaced in Game 2, when they again turned the ball over 21 times and allowed 27 points off those mistakes, enabling Oklahoma City to win 122–113 and tie the series at 1–1, with Wembanyama’s impact tempered and rookie Dylan Harper showing signs of his inexperience.
Donovan Mitchell scored 31 in a late Cavs surge, but James Harden’s rough start and early turnovers helped Detroit pull away, as Cleveland lost 107-97 to fall 0-2 in the series. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 25 points and 10 assists, while Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson hit clutch shots late. The Cavs gave themselves a chance with better ball handling after halftime, but couldn’t close the gap as they head home for Game 3.
LA’s path against OKC hinges on cleaning up their offense and limiting turnovers, enabling Reeves to handle ball duties and LeBron to exploit smaller OKC lineups. With the Thunder’s elite help defense and athletic wings, the Lakers will need smarter ball handling and a tight rotation (Vanderbilt’s role uncertain) around an eight-player core of Austin, Smart, LeBron, Hachimura, Ayton, Hayes, LaRavia, and Kennard, while Adou is unlikely to see minutes.
Boston's offense stagnated, turning the ball over 12 times and failing to generate second chances, as the Sixers rode a disciplined start and efficient defense to a Game 6 lead. Jaylen Brown had a rough night with multiple costly turnovers and defensive miscues, Neemias Queta struggled overall, and Boston's lack of ball movement left the offense stagnant and overly dependent on hero-ball, leading to a late Celtics push that wasn’t enough.
Turnovers plagued the Lakers in a 99-93 Game 5 loss to the Rockets, who surged in the second half to erase an early deficit and pull within one win of the series. Austin Reaves returned with 22 points off the bench, LeBron tried to spark a late rally, and Houston capitalized on miscues to prevent a sweep.
Detroit faces a do-or-die moment as it trails 3-1 to Orlando, needing to overcome its own shooting slump (fourth-worst in the playoffs) and a high 18.3 turnovers per game. The Pistons have held Orlando to a weak offensive showing, but unless Jalen Duren breaks out and Cade Cunningham cuts turnovers, the series could end quickly at Little Caesars Arena. Three glimmers of hope exist: a supportive home crowd, a possibly limited Franz Wagner due to a calf strain, and Isaiah Stewart’s defensive impact. Even with a win, the piece is skeptical about a Pistons upset, viewing it as marginal progress and signaling a needed offseason rethink.
Minnesota leads the series 3-2 but a 125-113 Game 5 loss to Denver featured 25 Timberwolves turnovers and a late surge by the Nuggets, spotlighting self-inflicted mistakes as the main issue. Wolves players insist they won’t overthink it, emphasizing simple decisions, discipline, and defense to avoid another setback. With Game 6 in Minneapolis, Minnesota believes trimming those turnovers (by roughly 10) could swing the series back in their favor, while Denver faces pressure to close out if the Wolves can net a win at home.
The Lakers’ bid to complete a sweep ended with a 115-96 loss to the Rockets in Game 4, thanks to 23 turnovers and poor 3-point shooting (5 made on 22 attempts). LeBron James struggled with 10 points and eight turnovers, and Deandre Ayton was ejected in the third quarter. With Austin Reaves potentially returning (likely limited) and Kevin Durant not playing yet (expected back for Game 5), Houston fed off the energy to stave off elimination. The Lakers now hold a 3-1 series lead, but must regroup for a pivotal Game 5 in LA as they try to close out the series.
The Lakers failed to close out the Rockets in Game 4, losing 115-96 and giving Houston fresh life; LA’s 24 turnovers, including eight by LeBron James, helped fuel the setback, while Houston’s Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason supplied scoring. With Austin Reaves still uncertain, Los Angeles must tighten ball handling and defense to finish the series, which sits at 3-1 in favor of the Lakers as they head home for Game 5—though Houston’s rally has turned a potential sweep into a real, scary possibility.
The Portland Trail Blazers blew a 17-point first-half lead and were outscored 73-35 after halftime, losing 114-93 to the San Antonio Spurs to fall behind 3-1 in their first‑round series. Victor Wembanyama dominated in the paint with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks, while Scoot Henderson went 0-for-7 and Portland’s late third-quarter collapse and 18 turnovers sealed the setback. Portland’s season hangs in the balance as Game 5 heads to Tuesday with the Blazers needing a dramatic turnaround and possible roster changes ahead.
Golden State’s playoff hopes hinge on finally erasing a season-long turnover problem after a come-from-behind win over the Clippers; if Curry, Green, Horford and Porzingis can help the team execute and limit giveaways, the Warriors have a realistic chance to beat the Suns in the must-win play-in game in Phoenix.
Duke led by 15 at halftime but collapsed late, committing 13 turnovers (eight in the second half) that allowed UConn to score 20 points off turnovers. Braylon Mullins hit the go-ahead 3 with about 10 seconds left after Cayden Boozer’s deflected pass, sealing a 73–72 win. Coach Jon Scheyer said the loss wasn’t one play but a series of mistakes that put Duke in that position. Duke finishes 35–3 but remains without a title, while UConn advances to the Final Four to face Illinois, marking another postseason heartbreak for Duke despite a stellar season.
Iowa State used a lockdown defense in the second half, forcing 20 Kentucky turnovers and outscoring the Wildcats 51-33 to erase an early deficit and win 82-63, advancing to the Sweet 16; Nate Heise said ISU had identified the chance Kentucky might lay down if they built a big lead.
Kentucky led early, but a string of 20 turnovers and a costly late first-half sequence allowed Iowa State to surge back, then shot well in the second half to beat Kentucky 82-63 and end the Wildcats’ season in St. Louis.
New Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant, 28, signed in free agency and plans to contribute wherever coaches need him, with a focus on creating turnovers and getting the ball back to Dak Prescott. He brings a versatile background from the Rams, a track record of interceptions (seven in four seasons, plus three in the 2025 playoffs), and the nickname “The Landshark” as he aims to elevate Dallas’ defense and fuel a high-yardage offense.