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Dennis Schroder sparked the Cleveland Cavaliers with clutch three-pointers as the fourth-seeded hosts defeated the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 116-109 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series on Saturday. The Pistons maintain their 2-1 series advantage heading into Monday.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Cavaliers 116, Pistons 109 in Game 3 at Rocket Arena, Cleveland
- Series Status: Detroit leads the best-of-seven series 2-1 with Game 4 May 11 at 8 PM
- Mitchell Milestone: Donovan Mitchell reached 2,000 career playoff points in just 73 games
- Turnovers Hurt Detroit: Cade Cunningham had 8 turnovers despite posting a triple-double
Harden Takes Over With Final Shots
James Harden bounced back from two troubled performances to deliver when it mattered most. The 17-year veteran made three crucial shots in the final two minutes that sealed Cleveland’s comeback. He hit a 16-foot step-back jumper with 2:28 remaining to extend the lead to 108-104. Following a Cade Cunningham dunk, Harden added a floating 7-footer to push it back to four. With 25 seconds left, he provided the decisive blow with a step-back three-pointer while being defended by Tobias Harris, making it 113-109. Harden finished with 19 points and 7 assists.
Mitchell Carries First Half Burden
The Cavaliers found themselves trailing 64-48 at halftime but the home crowd provided energy for the second-half push. Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 35 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. Jarrett Allen contributed 18 points and strong interior defense. Mitchell’s performance marked his 2,000th career playoff point, achieved in just 73 games, tying for third-fastest among active players and ninth in NBA history. The star guard shot 13-for-24 from the field.
Dennis Schroder sparks Cavaliers to 116-109 win at Cleveland, trims Pistons series lead to 2-1
Dennis Schröder helps Cavaliers edge Pistons 116-109 in Game 3 in Detroit
Cunningham’s Triple-Double Marred by Turnovers
| Key Stats | Cavaliers | Pistons |
| Field Goal % | 58.1% | 45.1% |
| Three-Point % | 37.5% | 36.0% |
| Total Rebounds | 47 | 49 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 15 |
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham recorded his second career playoff triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, he committed eight critical turnovers that hindered Detroit’s rhythm throughout the game. Tobias Harris added 21 points for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson contributed 15 points with four three-pointers off the bench.
James Harden hit three clutch shots in the final two minutes, Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit 116-109 on Saturday to cut the Pistons’ lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.
— Associated Press, Game 3 Recap
Schroder’s Bench Spark Ignites Cavs
Dennis Schroder provided crucial offensive firepower off the bench with 11 points on highly efficient shooting. The versatile guard connected on three three-pointers from beyond the arc, including one in the first quarter that gave the Cavaliers early momentum. Schroder blocked a Cade Cunningham driving shot in the later stages while also recording 2 assists. Max Strus chipped in 7 points with key defensive plays and critical hustle throughout.
What Does Game 4 Hold for These Dynamic Teams
The Pistons lead the series 2-1 but showed vulnerability at home in Cleveland. The Cavaliers are unbeaten in five playoff home games this season. Game 4 is set for Monday, May 11 at 8 PM on NBC and Peacock in Cleveland. Can the fourth-seeded Cavaliers continue their home dominance, or will the one-seed Pistons secure their ticket to the Eastern Conference finals? The winner of this series faces the New York Knicks-Philadelphia 76ers semifinal winner in the conference finals.
Sources
- ESPN – Game recap with box scores and play-by-play analysis
- CBS Sports – Official game statistics and expert commentary
- ClickOnDetroit – Local coverage of Cavaliers home playoff victory
