NBA Turnover Crisis! 5 Teams With Worst First Quarters

NBA: Ball control is one of the most important parts of basketball. If a team keeps turning the ball over, it becomes very difficult to win games. On Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers learned that lesson the hard way against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In just the first quarter, the Cavaliers committed 10 turnovers. That number placed them among the teams with the most turnovers in an opening period this season.

The Thunder took full advantage. Strong defense and quick steals helped them secure a 121-113 victory. Isaiah Joe led OKC with five steals, while Cason Wallace added three and Lu Dort chipped in with two.

Cleveland struggled under pressure. James Harden finished with five turnovers, while Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen both had three each.

With that performance in mind, here are five other NBA teams that also had rough first quarters filled with turnovers.

1. Chicago Bulls – 11 First Quarter Turnovers

The Chicago Bulls recently committed 11 turnovers in the opening quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors.

That poor start set the tone for the night. The Bulls eventually lost 110-101.

Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis each recorded four turnovers. Collin Sexton added three off the bench.

Toronto’s early defensive pressure forced mistakes and allowed them to control the pace of the game from the start.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves – 9 First Quarter Turnovers

The Minnesota Timberwolves also struggled early in a game against the Golden State Warriors on January 25.

Minnesota had nine turnovers in the first quarter. Anthony Edwards alone committed eight turnovers in the game.

Donte DiVincenzo finished with five turnovers and Jaden McDaniels added four.

Golden State capitalized on these mistakes and secured a comfortable 111-85 win.

3. Portland Trail Blazers – 9 First Quarter Turnovers

The Portland Trail Blazers had nine first quarter turnovers against the Warriors on December 14, 2025.

Unlike Minnesota, Portland recovered from the rough start. They managed to win 136-131.

Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant each committed four turnovers.

Despite the early mistakes, Portland’s offense picked up momentum and they overcame the deficit.

4. Brooklyn Nets – 9 First Quarter Turnovers

The Brooklyn Nets committed nine turnovers in the first quarter during a matchup against the Detroit Pistons on November 7, 2025.

The Nets eventually lost 125-107.

Michael Porter Jr. scored 28 points but also had four turnovers. Drake Powell and Day’Ron Sharpe each recorded three turnovers.

Detroit’s defense disrupted Brooklyn’s rhythm from the opening minutes.

5. Atlanta Hawks – 9 First Quarter Turnovers

The Atlanta Hawks also had nine first quarter turnovers in a game against the Cavaliers on November 11, 2025.

The Hawks lost 117-109.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished with five total turnovers. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu each had four.

The early ball control issues made it difficult for Atlanta to keep up throughout the game.

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