The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons, pulling their series to 2-1. The Cavaliers avoided a 3-0 hole by limiting their mistakes and riding their two stars in the moment of truth in Game 3.
Harden’s Performance in the Spotlight
Veterans James Harden and Tobias Harris could prove difference makers as the Cavaliers and Pistons vie to advance to the East Finals. The Cavaliers got clutch baskets from James Harden to defeat the Pistons. Cade Cunningham and James Harden traded baskets throughout Game 3.
Seldom has that question ever been posed to James Harden throughout his career with regard to scoring. He was usually good for 25-30 points or more nightly. But that was then and this is now.
The trick for Harden is to match his Game 3, when he had a strong fourth quarter and made all the necessary shots. Harden eased the burden on Donovan Mitchell.
Pistons Look for Support
Tobias Harris has been solid, dropping 20 points like it’s routine for him. News flash: It really isn’t. He’s on a roll, but basketball logic says a player who was his team’s No. 3 option all season will eventually return and settle into that comfort zone. Assuming his 20-point streak ends, who will step up and run shotgun next to Cade Cunningham?
Jalen Duren, who averaged nearly 20 points all season, has struggled offensively this postseason, averaging just 10.4 points. Furthermore, he’s an opportunity scorer, meaning he gets buckets from Cade’s passing or from offensive rebounds or put-backs, and not off the dribble and certainly nothing beyond 15 feet.
Duncan Robinson is shooting 43% from deep this post season and looks aggressive, but historically has never been a volume shooter. Ausar Thompson doesn’t look to score; he’s on the floor mainly for defense and hustle. No one else in the rotation is equipped to consistently handle more than 10 shot attempts.
Tobias Harris scored 21 points for the Detroit Pistons in a Game 2 win.
Series Could Go the Distance
As these best-of-seven series tend to go when there’s a pair of evenly matched teams, the most pivotal moment regarding Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers probably hasn’t happened yet. That’s because the home teams have taken care of business through three games, and at this rate, the Pistons and Cavs — who needed to survive Game Sevens to reach the semifinals — will once again be forced to go the full limit.
All three games were tightly contested in fourth quarters, meaning both teams had chances to win. This series could stretch into the weekend if this keeps up.
It could be the Pistons don’t need a strong No. 2 in this game or this series if their defense remains solid, they control the boards and Cade himself doesn’t go cold. Still, it’s a lot of ask of Harris to avoid even the slightest stumble, given the limited alternatives.
The next game will drop clues about that.
Here’s what to watch for Game 4 in Cleveland.