Dribbles: Cavs finally cash in on chances, ride stars to Game 3 win

May 9, 2026

Random dribbles following the Cavaliers’ 116-109 home win over the Pistons in Game 3 Saturday.

1. So that’s what it looks like when Cleveland actually finishes the job.

2. Two games of “almost.” One game of “there it is.” The Cavs didn’t suddenly discover a secret. They just played like themselves for 48 minutes.

Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers, Cavs, Pistons, NBA — Imagn

3. Afterward, James Harden was asked by NBC about all the “chatter” surrounding his recent play. “What chatter?” he responded. “I play basketball… Each game is its own series.”

4. In this particular game (or “series”), Harden more than delivered.

5. Through two games, Cade Cunningham was the best player on the floor. Game 3 belonged to Donovan Mitchell. Thirty-five points. Ten rebounds. Five assists. That’s a takeover.

6. Early nerves? Still there. Detroit jumped out 7-0 behind threes from Duncan Robinson and Cunningham. Difference is, Cleveland didn’t spiral.

7. Mitchell and Jarrett Allen combined for 18 first-quarter points. Punch back delivered.

8. Here’s the stat that stands out: The Cavs went 13-of-15 at the rim in the first half. They had 25 total rim attempts in Games 1 and 2 combined. That’s not adjustment. That’s survival instinct.

9. Mitchell finally got downhill. 4-of-5 in the restricted area after barely touching it earlier in the series. When he lives in the paint, everything changes.

10. Evan Mobley benefited. Seven second-quarter points. Quick, decisive, no overthinking. Cavs up 14 at half. Felt bigger.

11. Defensively, Cleveland forced regression. The Pistons hit two early threes, then missed 12 straight.

12. Third quarter? Same old story. Detroit adjusts, switches more, wins it 33-19. Five Cavs turnovers. Lead basically gone. Again.

13. The fourth quarter came down to composure. Tie game. Season hanging. Someone had to blink. Cunningham did. Three straight turnovers. Rare. Costly.

14. Harden didn’t. Nine fourth-quarter points. Three straight scoring plays. Including a three over Tobias Harris that basically said goodnight. That’s why he’s here. Not for box score beauty. For moments.

15. Harden finished with 19 and seven assists. Messy at times. Clutch when it mattered. Allen was steady with 18 points. The man just did his job.

16. Mobley with 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Still another gear there.

17. Meanwhile, Cunningham was still elite with a 27-point triple-double. Clearly, he’s not going anywhere. Harris gave Detroit 21. Pistons didn’t fold. They just got edged late.

18. Back to the Cavs. Dennis Schroder (11 points, two blocks) sparked things early. And Max Strus was chaos in a good way. He scored only seven points, but made way more of an impact.

19. Sam Merrill returned and was instantly useful — scoring seven points and drawing charges.

20. Bottom line? The Cavs didn’t out-talent the Pistons. They out-executed them late. Funny how that works.

21. So here we are. The series is 2-1 in favor of the Pistons. Game 4 is Monday, also in Cleveland. And now it finally feels like pressure goes both ways.