James Harden got here up clutch within the 4th quarter of Cleveland’s Recreation 3 victory.
As these best-of-seven sequence are inclined to go when there’s a pair of evenly matched groups, probably the most pivotal second concerning Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers most likely hasn’t occurred but.
That’s as a result of the house groups have taken care of enterprise by means of three video games, and at this fee, the Pistons and Cavs — who wanted to outlive Recreation Sevens to achieve the semifinals — will as soon as once more be compelled to go the total restrict.
The subsequent recreation will drop clues about that. The Cavs prevented a 3-0 gap by limiting their errors and driving their two stars within the second of reality in Recreation 3. And truly, all three video games had been tightly contested in fourth quarters, which means each groups had possibilities to win. Which means this sequence might stretch into the weekend if this retains up.
Right here’s what to look at for Recreation 4 in Cleveland (8 ET, NBC/Peacock):
1. Pistons’ No. 2 scorer is …
Tobias Harris scores 21 factors for the Detroit Pistons in a Recreation 2 win.
Tobias Harris has been strong in that position, dropping 20 factors prefer it’s routine for him. Information flash: It actually isn’t. He’s on a roll, however basketball logic says a participant who was his group’s No. 3 choice all season will ultimately return and settle into that consolation zone. Assuming his 20-point streak ends, who will step up and run shotgun subsequent to Cade Cunningham?
Effectively, the unhealthy information for the Pistons is Jalen Duren, who averaged practically 20 factors all season, has struggled offensively this postseason, averaging simply 10.4 factors. Moreover, he’s a chance scorer, which means he will get buckets from Cade’s passing or from offensive rebounds or put-backs, and never off the dribble and definitely nothing past 15 toes.
So, who’re the candidates? Duncan Robinson is taking pictures 43% from deep this put up season and appears aggressive, however traditionally has by no means been a quantity shooter. Ausar Thompson doesn’t look to attain; he’s on the ground primarily for protection and hustle. Nobody else within the rotation is provided to persistently deal with greater than 10 shot makes an attempt.
It could possibly be the Pistons don’t want a robust No. 2 on this recreation or this sequence if their protection stays strong, they management the boards and Cade himself doesn’t go chilly.
Nonetheless, it’s a variety of ask of Harris to keep away from even the slightest stumble, given the restricted alternate options.
2. Harden’s comply with up
Cade Cunningham & James Harden commerce baskets all through Recreation 3 on Could 9, 2026.
He did it as soon as. Can he do it once more? Seldom has that query ever been posed to James Harden all through his profession with regard to scoring. He was often good for 25-30 factors or extra nightly; simply pencil him in for that. However that was then and that is now.
The trick for Harden is to match his Recreation 3, when he had a robust fourth quarter, made all the mandatory pictures and eased the burden on Donovan Mitchell. And Harden will probably have to deliver that Monday or else the Cavs might fall right into a 3-1 gap heading again to Detroit; the Cavs are nonetheless on the lookout for their first highway playoff win this season.
After his Recreation 3 efficiency, Harden brushed apart any considerations about his age (37) and stamina and skill to attain effectively. That’s straightforward for him to say. However this can be a outcomes enterprise, and manufacturing speaks louder than phrases.
His capacity to keep away from turnovers and rating in isolations and discover open teammates will inform everybody whether or not he’s or isn’t in decline.
“I didn’t common 30 factors within the common season,” he stated. “You give me alternatives on this fourth quarter, and I reap the benefits of them. I’ve finished an unbelievable job all through the course of my profession of simply understanding what the job must be, particularly as I become old, and doing no matter it takes to win the sport. That’s a very powerful factor.”
3. Robinson or Strus for 3
This sequence begs for somebody to stretch defenses as a result of neither group is having a straightforward time piling up the factors. In such conditions, the 3-point shot turns into rather more significant and invaluable and will dictate the end result of the sport.
That’s why Robinson and Max Strus could possibly be difference-makers, relying on whether or not these pictures are falling.
Robinson is by far probably the most dependable of the Pistons from that distance and he has performed nicely by means of a lot of the playoffs and particularly this sequence.
He’ll have to hit these pictures to remain on the ground, as a result of he hardly ever goes to the free throw line or scores within the mid-range or performs strong sufficient protection.
Identical, for probably the most half, for Strus, who’s being hunted defensively by Harris every time the Pistons have the ball. Strus has the benefit of getting two ball creators in Mitchell and Harden who can command double groups (Mitchell) or make strong passes (Harden) to provide Strus a handful of open appears from deep.
If both Robinson or Strus are flirting with 5 – 6 made 3s and 20 factors, their group may benefit in consequence.
* * *
Shaun Powell has coated the NBA since 1985. You possibly can e-mail him at spowell@nba.com, discover his archive right here and follow him on X.