Cavaliers earn must-win Game 3 at home, defeating Pistons 116-109 with Donovan Mitchell scoring 35 points

Key Points:

• The Cleveland Cavaliers won Game 3 against the Detroit Pistons 116-109, cutting their playoff series deficit to 2-1 with a strong home performance led by Donovan Mitchell’s 35 points.
• Mitchell and James Harden shifted their approach by aggressively attacking the basket early, which helped them relax and successfully hit key shots, including crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
• The Cavaliers took control in the fourth quarter after Max Strus’s steal led to a go-ahead basket, and Cleveland maintained the lead by capitalizing on Detroit’s turnovers.
• Detroit’s Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists but struggled with eight turnovers and inefficient shooting, contributing to the Pistons’ loss.
• Cleveland’s rim protection from Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley limited Detroit’s effectiveness inside, forcing the Pistons to rely on outside shooting, where they shot just 36%, hampering their offensive efforts.