For the second straight contest, the Cleveland Cavaliers failed to execute in the fourth quarter down the stretch, falling to the Detroit Pistons 107-97 in Game 2. They find themselves in a two-game hole in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and it makes Saturday's afternoon tilt a must-win scenario. 

Despite taking a 91-89 lead early in the final frame, the Cavs were outscored from that point on. It started with a 10-2 Detroit response run from 9:58 to 7:21, putting the home team in the driver's seat. Though Cleveland battled back, it couldn't get rebounds down the stretch and ultimately came up short. 

Spencer German and Spencer Davies report live from Little Caesars Arena in the latest episode of Courtside with Cavs.

Topics of the latest show include the following:

-  Despite emphasizing the critical nature of a fast start, the Cavs didn't perform to the level necessary on the road out of the gate once again. The Pistons played with more force, energy, and pace, which put the Wine and Gold behind the 8-ball and in an uphill climb.

- James Harden's lackluster 3-of-13 showing was just as hurtful as his turnover-laden Game 1. Though he wasn't dominating the ball as much, the veteran couldn't win his matchups consistently and was stifled by Detroit. It's clear that Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland have him flummoxed.

- Cleveland found success in the second half by getting Harden off the ball, allowing Donovan Mitchell, Dennis Schroder, and Evan Mobley to handle more and create. The third quarter was a win for the team. Could that be something the squad builds on for Game 3?

- At some point, the underperformance has to fall on Kenny Atkinson. Between four-guard lineups, limitations on Donovan Mitchell's playing time, and a lack of feel for sticking with what's working, his coaching feels like it's formulaic. Jaylon Tyson and Dennis Schroder were the sparks that the Cavs needed coming off the bench, and you could make a case that one or both should've finished it out.

 - Evan Mobley needs to be better on the boards, but he was terrific defensively and much of the blame he's receiving from the media and spectators is misguided. Without his guarding ability and switching prowess, Cleveland may not have even had the chance to be in a position to win. He's oftentimes away from the rim because of the strain put on him, and the job he did on Jalen Duren was admirable.

Remember to subscribe to our CavsRoundtable YouTube channel for more coverage of the Cavaliers, and follow our comprehensive Cavs coverage as a team here on RoundtableSports.

Cavs Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Cavaliers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.