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Cavs Edge Pistons 116-109, Mitchell 35 Leads Win

5/11/2026

Summary

Cavs Win Game3

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit Pistons 116-109 in Game 3 of the playoffs, narrowing the series to 2-1.
Donovan Mitchell posted 35 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for Cleveland.
James Harden added 19 points, nine of them in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Cleveland shot 58% from the floor and recorded 28 defensive rebounds.
Detroit out-rebounded Cleveland 17-5 on the offensive glass but limited its second-chance points to 11.

Summary

Harden Discusses Adjustments

The February trade that sent Darius Garland to Detroit for James Harden was driven by Garland’s persistent injury history, insiders said.
At the post-game press conference, Harden displayed an ice bag on his shooting hand and said being older means he must “stay younger.”
Harden said better spacing, pick-and-roll execution and attacking the interior are key adjustments to improve shot quality.

Summary

Cavs Extend Streak

The Cavaliers have never lost a home playoff game this postseason, extending their streak to five victories and holding a 10-1 all-time playoff record against Detroit.
In the first quarter of Game 3, the Cavs posted a shooting percentage of just over 70 %.
Detroit grabbed 17 offensive rebounds but produced only 19 second-chance points, showing inefficiency.
Coach Kenny Atkinson warned the Cavs’ five offensive boards versus Detroit’s 17 were unsustainable.

History

Historical Context

After the Heat upset the Pistons 4–2 in the 2006 Eastern Conference Finals and captured Miami’s first title, the franchise reshaped the East by adding LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2010, creating a “Big 3” that emphasized star scoring and high-percentage offense. The Cavaliers now echo that model, leaning on Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to replicate Miami’s aggressive approach.

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Cavs Win Game3

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit Pistons 116-109 in Game 3 of the playoffs, narrowing the series to 2-1.
Donovan Mitchell posted 35 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for Cleveland.
James Harden added 19 points, nine of them in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Cleveland shot 58% from the floor and recorded 28 defensive rebounds.
Detroit out-rebounded Cleveland 17-5 on the offensive glass but limited its second-chance points to 11.

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