Cavaliers 116-109 Pistons (May 9, 2026) Game Recap
CLEVELAND — — After collapsing within the clutch within the first two video games of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers received well timed performs within the closing three minutes from James Harden and Max Strus to get again into their sequence towards the Detroit Pistons.
Harden hit three large photographs and Strus got here up with the steal and go-ahead basket within the Cavaliers’ 116-109 victory on Saturday to chop the Pistons’ result in 2-1.
“We know how important it is to get this first win to make it a series. So, really a team win where a lot of guys contributed tonight,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson stated.
The Cavaliers will look to even the sequence once they host Game 4 on Monday evening.
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 35 factors and 10 rebounds, whereas Harden completed with 19 factors and Jarrett Allen scored 18.
There have been 11 lead adjustments, with the ultimate one occurring with 2:28 remaining when Strus jumped to snare Cade Cunningham‘s inbound move to Daniss Jenkins close to midcourt. Strus then drove previous Cunningham and Jenkins to make a layup and provides the Cavaliers a 106-104 benefit.
Atkinson known as it the profitable play of the sport.
“That was a game changer right there. It gives us a lead, get a couple stops and a couple buckets and that’s the game,” Harden stated.
Strus stated it was about 3-4 seconds into the inbound play that he timed his bounce and made the play.
“My job is to help win in any form or fashion,” stated Strus, who completed with seven factors, 5 rebounds and one steal. “Some nights it’s going to be shooting. Some nights it’s going to be defense. Some nights it’s going to be rebounds. The ball didn’t find me tonight, but I don’t care. As long as our team wins, I just want to make an impact and find a way to win.”
It was additionally the primary of three straight turnovers by Cunningham, who had his second profession postseason triple-double with 27 factors, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but additionally dedicated eight turnovers.
“I don’t want to say they were careless turnovers because I care about it a lot. They were just bad turnovers,” he stated.
Harden, who drew loads of criticism for turnovers within the clutch within the first two video games, saved the Cavaliers in entrance with large photographs. The 17-year veteran hit a 16-foot step-back jumper to increase the result in 108-104. After a driving dunk by Cunningham, Harden made a floating 7-footer to place the lead again as much as 4.
Cunningham responded with a 3-pointer earlier than Harden offered the decisive blow with 25 seconds remaining on a step-back 3-pointer whereas being guarded by Harris to make it 113-109.
Mitchell reached 2,000 profession postseason factors in his 73rd recreation, tied for third-fastest amongst lively gamers and ninth in NBA historical past. He stated Harden’s efficiency confirmed why he wasn’t frightened after two powerful video games in Detroit.
“I think the biggest thing is just he’s always consistent. He’s not result based. I think the biggest thing is we’ve seen him thrive and for me and for the group just continue to be like, ‘Hey, we know who you are. Keep being yourself.’ We’ve seen him play at a very high level, so we have no doubt that he’s going to continue to be great,” Mitchell said. “Every recreation may not be that approach for him, for me, for whoever. But it is simply how do you proceed to remain even keel and discover methods to influence the sport.”
Tobias Harris added 21 points for Detroit, which had its five-game playoff win streak snapped.
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