NBA takeaways: James Harden comes through in clutch, but Cavs still need more

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 116-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of their NBA conference semifinal series on May 9, avoiding a 0-3 deficit. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 35 points, while James Harden delivered a crucial 7-point burst in the final two minutes, including a step-back jumper, a floater, and a three-pointer to help seal the win. The Cavaliers now hold a 2-1 series lead but will need more consistent contributions beyond Mitchell to advance. The Pistons exposed vulnerabilities in their playoff run, particularly in their lack of reliable scoring beyond Jalen Duren, who managed just 11 points and 4 rebounds in 29 minutes. Paul Reed, his backup, nearly matched Duren’s output in far fewer minutes, highlighting Detroit’s depth concerns. The Pistons shot just 2-of-14 from three in the first half before going 7-of-11 in the second, though a 16-point halftime deficit proved insurmountable. Cleveland’s ability to capitalize on turnovers—converting 15 into 27 points compared to Detroit’s 19—also played a key role. In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in another Game 3, though results were not provided. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks continue to dominate the Eastern Conference, maintaining a 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers despite OG Anunoby’s hamstring injury. The Knicks’ offensive and defensive efficiency remain unmatched, solidifying their status as the team to beat in the playoffs. The Cavaliers, who are 5-0 at home this postseason, will now look to maintain momentum on the road in Game 4. Coach Kenny Atkinson’s decision to trust Harden in the clutch paid off, but Cleveland must find a way to distribute the ball more evenly to avoid over-reliance on Mitchell and late-game heroics. The Pistons, meanwhile, must address their offensive inconsistencies and develop secondary scoring options to remain competitive.