The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back in Game 3, turning the series into a competitive battle. Had the Detroit Pistons won that game, the Cavaliers would have faced an uphill climb, especially given Detroit’s strong playoff run. However, with Cleveland’s victory, the series remains alive.
As recently as May 8, fans were anticipating a potential Knicks vs. Pistons Eastern Conference final. The Knicks swept the 76ers, but the Cavaliers can force a lengthy series with a win tonight. A Cleveland victory would even the series at two games apiece, turning it into a best-of-three with Detroit still holding home-court advantage.
For Detroit, the key lies in a few critical areas: limit Cleveland’s three-point shooting and maintain a rebounding edge. The Pistons have dominated the boards throughout the series, and the Cavaliers have struggled to counter that. In their two losses, Cleveland shot over 30 three-pointers but made under 30% of them.
Cleveland relied on a standout performance from Donovan Mitchell and clutch plays from James Harden down the stretch to secure Game 3. Despite winning by seven, Detroit was within two points with under a minute remaining. The Cavaliers need a complete effort from their big four, while the Pistons simply need to stick to their game plan.
**Pistons vs. Cavaliers Live Updates, Highlights from NBA Playoffs Game 4**
**4th Quarter-2:07:** Marcus Sasser hits a 25-foot three-pointer.
**4th Quarter-2:55:** Caris LeVert tips in a shot.
**4th Quarter-4:43:** Donovan Mitchell scores on a 6-foot floater.
**4th Quarter-5:04:** Ausar Thompson finishes a reverse layup.
**4th Quarter-5:19:** Donovan Mitchell drains a 25-foot three-pointer, pushing his total to 34 points—a personal playoff career high.
**4th Quarter-6:56:** Cade Cunningham connects from 25 feet.
**4th Quarter-7:39:** Jalen Duren throws down a driving dunk.
**4th Quarter-8:20:** Cade Cunningham hits a 17-foot floater.
**4th Quarter-8:38:** Donovan Mitchell makes two free throws, reaching 30 points for the 36th time in his playoff career, tying Allen Iverson and Kawhi Leonard for 17th most in NBA history.
**4th Quarter-8:47:** Cade Cunningham scores on a driving layup.
**4th Quarter-9:58:** Donovan Mitchell converts a 5-foot running floater.
**4th Quarter-10:41:** Donovan Mitchell finishes a running layup.
**4th Quarter-11:08:** Evan Mobley scores inside.
**Team Stats after 3 Quarters**
| | DET | CLE |
|—|—|—|
| FG | 32-61 | 28-57 |
| Field Goal % | 52 | 49 |
| 3PT | 8-16 | 13-33 |
| Three Point % | 50 | 39 |
| FT | 5-8 | 21-24 |
| Free Throw % | 63 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 21 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 7 | 6 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 17 | 15 |
| Assists | 17 | 20 |
| Steals | 6 | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 | 7 |
| Total Turnovers | 16 | 10 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 22 | 14 |
| Fast Break Points | 5 | 4 |
| Points in Paint | 36 | 24 |
| Fouls | 20 | 10 |
| Technical Fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant Fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Largest Lead | 7 | 18 |
| Percent Led | 42 | 50 |
The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Detroit Pistons 90-77 after three quarters.
**3rd Quarter-0:01:** Paul Reed tips in a shot.
**3rd Quarter-0:09:** Duncan Robinson fouls James Harden on a three-point attempt; Harden sinks all three free throws, recording a double-double with 24 points and 11 assists before the end of the quarter.
**3rd Quarter-0:32:** Paul Reed scores on a layup.
**3rd Quarter-1:31:** James Harden knocks down a 24-foot three-pointer.
**3rd Quarter-1:42:** Duncan Robinson answers with a 24-foot three.
**3rd Quarter-2:40:** Paul Reed finishes a reverse layup.
**3rd Quarter-3:43:** Paul Reed scores from five feet.
**3rd Quarter-4:13:** Caris LeVert drives for a layup.
**3rd Quarter-4:45:** Donovan Mitchell…