In a thrilling Game 5 showdown, former Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden delivered a vintage performance to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Detroit Pistons, 117-113, in overtime. The win gives the Cavs a 3-2 series lead, putting them one victory away from their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since the LeBron James era in 2018.

With the Sixers already eliminated from the playoffs, fans can still root for a handful of former Philadelphia players still alive in the postseason. The second-round Eastern Conference battle features a familiar cast: Tobias Harris and Paul Reed suit up for the Pistons, while James Harden leads the Cavaliers charge.

Harden erupted for 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, coming up clutch with big shots down the stretch. Despite shooting 8-for-21 from the field, "The Beard" was relentless at the free-throw line, hitting 11 of 14 attempts to seal the win. His stat line puts him in elite company—joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kobe Bryant as the only guards to post those numbers in a playoff game since 2010.

For Sixers fans, Harden's performance is a reminder of the electric moments he provided during his brief tenure in Philadelphia. Now, he's on a mission to guide the Cavaliers back to the conference finals for the first time in seven years. Will Game 6 be the night Cleveland punches its ticket? All eyes are on Harden to deliver once more.