TITLE: Mitchell’s 35 Points Help Cavaliers Hold Off Pistons 116-109, Cut Series Deficit to 2-1
SLUG: cavaliers-pistons-game-3-mitchell-harden
CONTENT:
The Cleveland Cavaliers protected home court on Saturday night, defeating the Detroit Pistons 116-109 in Game 3 of their first-round series at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Detroit still leads the best-of-seven matchup, 2-1, with Game 4 set for Monday in Cleveland.
Key performers
• Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 35 points and added 10 rebounds and five assists, marking his most productive outing of the series.
• James Harden supplied 19 points and seven assists, scoring nine in the fourth quarter, including a late three-pointer over Tobias Harris that stretched the lead for good.
• Jarrett Allen contributed 18 points, while Evan Mobley finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
Pistons stay close
Cade Cunningham recorded a 27-point triple-double, and Harris scored 21 to keep Detroit within reach. The Pistons erased a 14-point halftime deficit by winning the third quarter 33-19, but three consecutive Cunningham turnovers early in the fourth hindered their comeback bid.
Inside presence returns
After attempting only 25 shots at the rim in the first two games combined, Cleveland went 13-for-15 in that area during the first half on Saturday. Mitchell was 4-of-5 in the restricted area, helping the Cavaliers build a 62-48 halftime advantage.
Supporting cast
Dennis Schroder chipped in 11 points and two blocks off the bench. Max Strus and Sam Merrill added seven points apiece, with Merrill also drawing multiple charges.
Looking ahead
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will attempt to even the series before it shifts back to Detroit.
Source: Hoops Wire
