James Harden sparked the closing stretch the Cleveland Cavaliers had been searching for, and he described it simply as executing when it mattered most.
“Get a bucket, simple — tie game, one-point game, something like that. Just get the best available shot,” Harden said about his late offensive possessions in the Cavaliers’ 116-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 on Saturday in Cleveland.
After two games where late mistakes defined the narrative, the veteran guard emphasized a sharper approach in the final minutes. “Understanding what we’re doing, what we’re trying to do. I think our spacing was a lot better as well,” he said.
The Cavaliers improved to 1-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals after collapsing down the stretch in the first two games. In Game 3, timely execution made the difference, including Harden’s three critical baskets in the closing minutes.
Harden also acknowledged Cleveland’s offensive rhythm early, even as the defense lagged. “It was a better start offensively. I think defensively they still had 30 points in the first quarter. We’ve got to do a better job getting off to a better start defensively and maintaining that,” he said.
Detroit’s second-half surge pushed Cleveland into another high-pressure fourth quarter, but Harden stressed composure over panic. “They’re a great team. They’ve done it before and they made a run and came back last series as well,” he said.
One key issue during the Pistons’ run was offensive patience. “I don’t think we touched the paint one time. Obviously we didn’t score, but we just settled for a lot of outside jumpers, including myself,” Harden noted.
He explained that attacking the interior remains the structural priority for the Cavaliers. “Touching the paint gives us an opportunity to get a quality shot,” he said.
Cleveland’s response came from both stars and role players, with Max Strus’ late steal and finish shifting momentum. Harden was direct in his assessment: “That was a game changer right there.”
Strus’ defensive sequence led to a go-ahead basket in a tight game where margins were minimal.
Harden also highlighted the Cavaliers’ offensive adjustments, particularly in pick-and-roll execution after earlier series struggles. “A little bit of both. Me trying to move a little bit more without the basketball is key,” he said.
He noted how spacing and timing altered Detroit’s defensive coverage. “You’ve got to move them around a little bit more. From here on out, teams are really good later in the series at understanding what you’re trying to do and stopping your first action,” Harden added.
The veteran guard also reflected on the importance of adaptability within Cleveland’s evolving structure alongside Donovan Mitchell. “It’s something you’ve got to pay attention to possession by possession, which is not an easy challenge,” he said.
Mitchell finished with 35 points and 10 rebounds, while Harden added 19 points in a game defined by late execution and defensive stops.
Harden closed his media session by emphasizing confidence rooted in preparation rather than reaction to criticism. “The confidence is always going to be there. Just need to put me in a position to be successful and good things happen,” he said.
Cleveland now shifts momentum back into the series, with Game 4 set for Monday in Cleveland as the Cavaliers look to even the matchup.
