Cavs 116-109 Pistons, NBA Playoffs: Harden, Strus Help Register Win For Cavaliers

After collapsing in the clutch in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers got timely plays in the final three minutes from James Harden and Max Strus to get back into their series against the Detroit Pistons. Harden hit three big shots and Strus came up with the steal and go-ahead basket in the Cavaliers’ 116-109 victory on Saturday to cut the Pistons’ lead to 2-1.

Updated on: 11 May 2026 2:29 pm

Published at: 11 May 2026 2:29 pm

NBA basketball playoffs series Cavaliers vs Pistons-Donovan Mitchell

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) smiles as fans cheer while he is interviewed after the Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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NBA basketball playoffs series Cavaliers vs Pistons-James Harden

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots over Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, left, in the second half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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NBA basketball playoffs series Cavaliers vs Pistons-Jarrett Allen

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, right, dunks as Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) defends in the second half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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NBA basketball playoffs series Cavaliers vs Pistons-Cade Cunningham

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, right, drives against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus, left, in the second half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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NBA basketball playoffs series Cavaliers vs Pistons-Dennis Schroder

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder reacts after being hit in the throat in the second half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the Detroit Pistons in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) loses control of the ball in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder, front, in the second half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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NBA basketball playoffs series Cavaliers vs Pistons-Caris LeVert

Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) dunks in front of Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the second half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots over Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) in the first half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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NBA basketball playoffs series Cavaliers vs Pistons-Max Strus

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (2) celebrates a turnover by the Detroit Pistons in the first half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki

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NBA basketball playoffs series Cavaliers vs Pistons-Ausar Thompson

Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends in the first half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Cleveland. | Photo: AP/Sue Ogrocki