[Obguia] Carmelo: “James (Harden) has to stop playing with the ball and just go… Every time you ‘tween, ‘tween, ‘tween, ‘tween, the court is shrinking and shrinking and shrinking” T-Mac shared Melo’s sentiment: “We don’t need you dancing out at the top of the key trying to get your game off”
Melo, T-Mac calls out The Beard
Coming into the postseason, everyone knew the Pistons’ calling card was defense. They led the 16-team field in defensive rating (102.5) and allowed the fewest field goals made (33.5) and field goal percentage (40.4 percent).
Meanwhile, the Cavs are armed with one of the better offenses in the game. Cleveland ranks top five in the 2026 postseason in points per game and offensive rating, and third in 3-pointers made (13.4).
That’s why, for NBA on NBC analysts Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady, the only solution for Cleveland is to have Harden attack the Pistons’ defense before they set. The Beard has the ability to keep Detroit on its heels, but inexplicably decides to go iso, allowing the No. 1 seed to sit on passing lanes and force turnovers.
“For me, James has to stop playing with the ball and just go,” Anthony said. “Make one or two moves, get past the man, make a play, make them rotate. Every time you ‘tween, ‘tween, ‘tween, ‘tween, the court is shrinking and shrinking and shrinking. All eyes on you. I would love to see him just make a move, get downhill.”
T-Mac shared Melo’s sentiment.
“That’s where I was going, Melo. With James, it’s about just being intentional of what you wanna do. Being on the perimeter against a great defensive team, and you’re playing with the ball, trying to get your rhythm, and iso ball, they don’t need that from you,” McGrady stated. “Get downhill, put pressure on the defense like you did in the 4th quarter, use your runner, your floaters to draw the defense in. Now, you get down there and start making plays.”
“We don’t need you dancing out at the top of the key trying to get your game off,” he added.