Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Detroit Pistons to reduce playoff series deficit
The Cleveland Cavaliers reduced their Eastern Conference semifinal deficit to 2-1 with a crucial 116-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
James Harden rebounded from a string of error-strewn performances by delivering three pivotal shots in the final two minutes to secure the home win.
Donovan Mitchell orchestrated the offence with a game-high 35 points, continuing his prolific scoring form in the postseason.
Mitchell achieves historic postseason scoring milestone
The dynamic shooting guard surpassed 2,000 career playoff points during his 73rd postseason appearance.
This achievement ties him for the third-fastest pace among active players to reach the landmark, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite scorers.
Frontcourt presence Jarrett Allen provided vital support with 18 points as the hosts maintained their unbeaten streak across five home playoff fixtures.
Detroit threatened to take a commanding 3-0 series lead when Duncan Robinson levelled the score at 104-104 with a crucial late three-pointer.
Harden silences critics in tense finale
However, Max Strus immediately intercepted a midcourt pass from Cade Cunningham to restore the advantage via a breakaway layup.
The 17-year veteran playmaker then took control, executing a signature step-back jumper to extend the margin and calm the home crowd.
Cunningham, who registered his second career postseason triple-double with 27 points, briefly kept the visitors alive with a perimeter shot of his own.
Despite his impressive overall statistics, the young point guard’s eight turnovers proved incredibly costly for the Michigan franchise.
A decisive step-back three-pointer from the former MVP over Tobias Harris with 25 seconds remaining ultimately sealed the contest.