The Cleveland Cavaliers came roaring back in Game 3, cutting the Detroit Pistons' series lead to 2-1 with a gritty 116-109 victory on home court. After two games of watching Cade Cunningham dominate, the Cavs finally got the superstar performances they needed from Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Mitchell set the tone early, pouring in 20 points in the first half and finally attacking the rim with purpose. After taking just one shot in the restricted area through the first two games combined, he went 4-for-5 inside in Game 3, opening up the entire floor for Cleveland's offense. The Cavs shot a blistering 13-for-15 on shots at the rim in the first half alone—a stark contrast to the 25 total attempts they managed in Games 1 and 2 combined.

James Harden provided the closing punch, scoring nine points in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Jarrett Allen chipped in nine first-quarter points, while Evan Mobley found his rhythm with seven in the second quarter, showing the balanced attack that had been missing in Detroit.

The Pistons jumped out to a quick seven-point lead behind Duncan Robinson and Cunningham's tough contested threes, but Cleveland settled in after the first three minutes. The Cavs took a narrow two-point lead after one quarter and broke things open in the second, consistently getting into the paint and forcing Detroit to scramble.

Defensively, Cleveland locked down the interior, preventing the Pistons from getting comfortable looks inside. The Cavs' ability to protect home court now gives them momentum heading into Game 4, where they'll look to even the series before heading back to Detroit.