Donovan Mitchell returned to serve as absolute leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the most delicate moment of the series. The shooting guard put in a monumental performance with 35 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to guide Cleveland’s 116-109 victory over Detroita result that allows the Cavaliers to close the gap and make it 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. In a duel of maximum tension, Ohioans survived the Pistons’ reaction thanks to their experience and the cold blood of their stars in the decisive stretch.
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Mitchell’s great partner in closing was a James Harden who responded to criticism with character and determination. After two games marked by decisive losses, the veteran point guard appeared when his team needed him most. Harden scored three key baskets in the last two minutesincluding a spectacular step-back suspension with 25 seconds left that practically sealed the match. It ended with 19 points and 7 assistsleaving doubts behind and returning peace of mind to some Cavaliers who also found support in Jarrett Allen (18+4+1) Evan Mobley (13+8+4)
Cavs dominance and Pistons reaction
Cleveland had clearly dominated during the first half. With an intense defense and a very inspired Mitchellthe Cavaliers left at halftime with a lead of 16 points (64-48) and the feeling of having the game under control. However, Detroit reacted with a completely different aggressiveness after passing through the locker room. The Pistons swept in the third quarter with a partial from 19-33 that completely changed the script and returned equality to a match that seemed decided.
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The visiting impulse had its own name: Cade Cunningham. The Detroit star completed a brilliant triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, confirming his growth as a competitive leader in the playoffs. Even so, his performance was partially overshadowed by the eight turnovers that punished the Pistons in decisive moments. Tobias Harris contributed 21 points and Duncan Robinson He added 15, including the triple that tied the game (104-104) with just over three minutes remaining and momentarily silenced the Rocket Arena.
The most reliable version of Harden
With the match completely open, Cleveland found the play that definitively changed the outcome. Max Strus intercepted a Cunningham onside kick in the middle of the court and culminated the counterattack with a layup that returned the lead to the home team. From there it appeared the most reliable version of Harden: first with a jump shot from mid-range, then responding to a dunk from Cunningham with another key basket and finally nailing the triple that left the score in 113-109 and unleashed euphoria in the stands.
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Mitchell He ended up taking charge of closing the game from the free throw line and crowned a historic night on an individual level. The guard reached 2,000 points in the playoffs in just 73 gamesequaling the third-fastest mark among active players and ranking ninth in NBA history. Cleveland thus remains undefeated at home during this postseason and will face the fourth game with the opportunity to equalize a series that, after this victory, is once again completely open.
