James Harden detailed how Cleveland’s late-game execution and adaptability fueled a 117-113 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday night.
“Resiliency, grit, took everything we had. Just possession by possession, just wearing down,” Harden said, describing the Cavaliers’ comeback from a nine-point deficit late in regulation.
Cleveland trailed 103-94 with just over two minutes remaining before closing regulation on a decisive push. The Cavaliers tied the game on Evan Mobley’s free throws with 45.2 seconds left, then carried momentum into overtime.
“Finding ways to win, getting the ball in his hands, getting the ball in Evan’s hands, making plays and getting stops defensively was the huge anchor to that,” Harden said. “Was just getting stops, getting rebounds, and then finding ways to score offensively.”
Harden, who finished with a playoff-best 30 points along with eight rebounds and six assists, emphasized the importance of defensive consistency in a game that swung through multiple momentum shifts.
“Wasn’t our best night offensively, but I think that’s what speaks volumes to getting this win was we found a way,” he said. “And that’s our first time doing it on the road in the playoffs and I think that’s a really big something we can build off of going forward in the playoffs.”
Detroit had controlled large stretches, including a 15-point lead in the first half and a 103-94 advantage late. Cade Cunningham’s 39-point performance kept the Pistons in position to close, but Cleveland’s late defensive sequence flipped the outcome.
Harden credited the team’s shot distribution and in-game adjustments for his increased scoring role in Game 5.
“The game just literally how they were guarding us. What was working offensively and opportunities to be aggressive,” he said. “So it was just a team effort. And tonight was one of those nights where we found something and I was aggressive.”
He also pointed to the supporting cast, including Max Strus and Dennis Schroder, for stabilizing the offense when Donovan Mitchell struggled at points.
“Don struggled a little bit offensively, but that’s why he has a team and guys that pick him up. Max came through, made some big shots. Dennis came in, played extremely well.”
One of the defining sequences came late in regulation when Evan Mobley delivered multiple high-impact plays to force overtime. Harden said those moments are part of Mobley’s development curve.
“Just boost his confidence to another level,” Harden said. “He already has, he’s versatile. He can protect the rim. He can generate steals. He can do a little bit of everything defensively and offensively.”
Cleveland also executed key late free throws and possession control in overtime, including Harden securing his own missed free throw to help close the game.
“Luck maybe. I don’t know. You got to make your free throws,” he said. “Just having the right mindset, the right intent throughout the course of the entire game, trusting the process.”
Harden also acknowledged the pressure of late-game road environments, including Detroit’s crowd chants during clutch free throws.
“That’s the ultimate respect in my opinion,” he said when asked about the “Fame Harden” chants. “Yeah, I wouldn’t really. Thank you.”
With Cleveland now leading the series 3-2, Game 6 shifts to Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will attempt to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
“Just like tonight, it’ll give us momentum going into the next game,” Harden said. “It’s a great opportunity for this group.”
