James Harden delivered the closing stretch Cleveland had been missing, and he did not frame it as anything more complicated than execution in winning time.
“Get a bucket, simple, tie game or one-point game or something like that. Just get the best available shot,” Harden said when asked about his final offensive possessions in the Cavaliers’ 116-109 Game 3 win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday in Cleveland.
After two games in which late mistakes defined the narrative, the Cavaliers guard described a clearer approach inside the final minutes. “Understanding what we’re doing, what we’re trying to do. I think our spacing was a lot better as well,” he said.
The Cavaliers improved to 1-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals after collapsing late in the opening two games. The difference in Game 3 came from late execution, including Harden’s three decisive baskets in the final minutes.
Harden also pointed to Cleveland’s early rhythm as a foundation, even if the defensive end lagged behind. “It was a better start offensively. I think defensively they still had 30 points in the first quarter,” he said. “We got to do a better job of getting off to a better start defensively and maintaining that.”
Detroit’s run in the second half forced Cleveland into another high-pressure fourth quarter, but Harden emphasized composure rather than panic. “They’re a great team. They’ve done it before and they made a run and came back last series as well,” he said.
One key issue, according to Harden, was offensive patience during the Pistons’ surge. “I don’t think we touched the paint one time. Obviously we didn’t score, but we just settled for a lot of outside jumpers, including myself,” he said.
The Cavaliers guard explained that attacking the interior remains the structural priority. “Touching the paint gives us an opportunity to get a quality shot,” he said.
Cleveland’s response came from both stars and role players, with Max Strus’ late steal and finish shifting momentum. Harden was direct in his assessment. “That was a game changer right there,” he said.
Strus’ defensive sequence, which led to a go-ahead basket, was described as a defining possession in a tight game where margins were minimal.
Harden also leaned into the Cavaliers’ offensive adjustment, especially in pick-and-roll execution after earlier series struggles. “A little bit of both. Me trying to move a little bit more without the basketball is key,” he said.
He noted that spacing and timing altered Detroit’s defensive coverage. “You got to move them around a little bit more. From here on out, teams are really good later in the series at understanding what you’re trying to do and stopping your first action,” Harden said.
The veteran guard also reflected on the importance of adaptability within Cleveland’s evolving structure alongside Donovan Mitchell. “It’s something you got to pay attention to possession by possession, which is not an easy challenge,” he said.
Mitchell finished with 35 points and 10 rebounds, while Harden added 19 points in a game defined by late execution and defensive stops.
Harden closed his media session by emphasizing confidence rooted in preparation rather than reaction to criticism. “The confidence is always going to be there. Just need to put me in a position to be successful and good things happen,” he said.
Cleveland now shifts momentum back into the series, with Game 4 set for Monday in Cleveland as the Cavaliers look to even the matchup.
