All of it got here all the way down to James Harden on Saturday. That lastly turned out to be factor for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Essentially the most criticized participant of the sequence wound up being the hero of Recreation 3, scoring seven factors throughout three consecutive possessions to maintain his crew forward in a 116-109 win over the Detroit Pistons. It was very a lot wanted, given what Cade Cunningham was doing on the opposite finish.
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The ultimate shot: a dagger within the face of Tobias Harris.
Harden entered the sport with the criticism of his postseason résumé as loud because it’s ever been. By means of two video games in opposition to Detroit, he had posted extra turnovers (11) than area targets (9) or assists (10). His miss in the final minute of Game 2 sealed the sport for the Pistons.
It was a simple factor to joke about — the Cavaliers buying and selling for Harden then being shocked he isn’t performing within the playoffs — and other people did. Lots.
Nonetheless, when asked by NBC’s Ashley ShahAhmadi about silencing the chatter, Harden had the reply you’d hope to listen to for those who’re Cleveland: “What chatter?”
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He went on:
“I play basketball. No matter this crew wants me to do, I’m going to go on the market and do it. Letting the sport play out, fourth quarter, my quantity was referred to as and I am going to work.”
Harden completed the sport with 19 factors on 8-of-14 capturing and seven assists in opposition to 3 turnovers. Donovan Mitchell had the larger night time general with 35 factors, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, however Harden coming alive within the fourth quarter is as encouraging an indication because the Cavaliers might get.
They nonetheless have work to do down 2-1, although. Recreation 4 is scheduled for Monday in Cleveland (8 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock).