Harden’s triple-double threat propels Cavaliers to series edge over Pistons
The former Philadelphia 76ers star records 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists as Cleveland takes a 3-2 lead in their second-round series.
James Harden delivered a comprehensive statistical performance to guide the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 117-113 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference second-round playoff series. The win establishes a 3-2 series advantage for Cleveland, placing them one victory away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals.
Harden, a former star with the Philadelphia 76ers, finished with 30 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. He shot 8-for-21 from the field and 11-for-14 from the free-throw line, contributing critical scoring down the stretch to secure the win on the road in Detroit.
The statistical line places Harden in rare company. He joins Serge Ibaka and Kobe Bryant as the only guards to record 30 or more points, eight or more rebounds, six or more assists, and three or more blocks in a playoff game since 2010.
Cleveland overcame an initial 2-0 deficit in the series, winning the subsequent two games to take control. Donovan Mitchell played a pivotal role in the previous contest, scoring 43 points, including 39 in the second half, to level the series before Harden’s Game 5 heroics.
Detroit has struggled significantly with ball security throughout the matchup. The Pistons committed 25 turnovers in the first two games and 36 in Games 3 and 4. Cade Cunningham leads the NBA in playoff turnovers with an average of 5.7 per game, adding pressure to the Pistons' backcourt and supporting cast, which includes former Sixers players Tobias Harris and Paul Reed.
The winner of this series will advance to the Eastern Conference finals to face the New York Knicks. For Cleveland, a victory would mark their first appearance in the conference finals since 2018, during the LeBron James era.
The series shifts back to Detroit for Game 6, where the Cavaliers will look to close out the Pistons and secure their place in the next round.
