James Harden, one of the most criticized Cleveland Cavaliers players after two losses to the Pistons in Detroit, came to his team’s rescue on Saturday with nine points in the fourth quarter, key to reopening the Eastern Conference semifinals and making the series 2-1.
“What noise?” Harden said after the game in Cleveland, responding to criticism after scoring only 10 points in the second game.
The 36-year-old Beard finished with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting in 39 minutes, including nine in the fourth quarter. He made two crucial plays in the final minute that allowed the Cavs to stay alive in the series.
Cleveland has lost all five road games this postseason but remains perfect at home (5-0), where they will play Game 4 on Monday.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 35 points and 10 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen added 18 points. The Pistons fell despite a triple-double from Cade Cunningham (27 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), who sparked a 17-point comeback.
The Cavs led by 16 at halftime, but the Pistons fought back and tied the game in the third quarter, setting up a tense finish. Cleveland regained an eight-point lead early in the fourth, but Detroit again erased it, leaving the game to be decided in the final minute.
That’s when Harden stepped up with two sublime plays: first a crafty layup, then a step-back three-pointer in response to a triple from Cunningham. His basket made it 113-109 with 25 seconds left, effectively sealing the win and leaving the Pistons short in the crucial moment.
