Cavs Notes: James Harden answers late, Donovan Mitchell delivers, subplots linger

The chatter was getting loud around James Harden. Two rough games in Detroit will do that.

Then came Game 3.

Harden closed it like a pro — step-back, floater, then the dagger three over Tobias Harris. Ballgame.

“That’s the James we know,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We needed it tonight.”

Harden didn’t dodge anything afterward, either.

“Chatter is going to be chatter,” he said. “For me… you give me opportunities in this fourth quarter, and I take advantage of them.”

Simple enough.

Series saved, for now

Let’s not overcomplicate it — that win kept the Cavs alive.

Down 0-2, staring at a potential 0-3 hole, things were trending toward a long summer.

Instead, Cleveland showed some backbone. Even after blowing a 16-point lead.

“You know how important it is to get this first win,” Atkinson said. “It’s a veteran team. They kind of know that’s how this goes.”

Now? It’s a series.

Mitchell delivers

Donovan Mitchell continues to sit at the center of everything — production, leadership, even a little history.

According to The Athletic, Mitchell’s past frustration with former coach J.B. Bickerstaff is a quiet subplot here. Different staff now. Different voice.

Same expectations.

Bench boost

A quick nod to Sam Merrill, who returned from a minor hamstring issue.

Seven points in 14 minutes. Took a couple of charges. Nothing flashy. But for this group, every little bit matters. Especially at this time of year.