The Cavaliers avoided falling into a 3-0 hole against the Detroit Pistons thanks to clutch baskets from James Harden. Remaining undefeated at home in the postseason, the Cavaliers defeated the Pistons and pulled their series to 2-1.
As the series progresses, the most pivotal moment regarding the Detroit Pistons versus Cleveland Cavaliers has probably not happened yet. At this rate, both teams may be forced to go the full limit, as they both needed to survive Game Sevens to reach the semifinals.
Game 4 in Cleveland will provide clues as to which team will advance. All three games were tightly contested in the fourth quarters, meaning both teams had chances to win. If this continues, this series could stretch into the weekend.
Harden’s Scoring Prowess
Cade Cunningham and James Harden traded baskets throughout Game 3.
The question is whether James Harden can repeat his Game 3 performance. He was usually good for 25-30 points or more nightly. The trick for Harden is to match his Game 3, when he had a strong fourth quarter, made all the necessary shots and eased the burden on Donovan Mitchell.
Tobias Harris’s Role for the Pistons
Tobias Harris has been solid, dropping 20 points like it’s routine for him. Tobias Harris scored 21 points for the Detroit Pistons in a Game 2 win.
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. 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.
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. It’s a lot to ask of Harris to avoid even the slightest stumble, given the limited alternatives.
Veterans James Harden and Tobias Harris could prove difference makers as Cavaliers, Pistons vie to advance to the East Finals.