James Harden has always been a reliable player in high-pressure situations during the regular season. Unfortunately, he has garnered a bad reputation for his struggles in the Playoffs. That was not an issue during the Cleveland Cavaliers' Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons.
The Cavaliers managed to withstand Cade Cunningham's 39-point night. Cleveland's standout performer was James Harden, who posted a 30-point game and also stepped up across the board with eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.
James Harden had to step up in Game 5 for Donovan Mitchell
In Game 4, Donovan Mitchell was the standout player for the Cavaliers. He scored 43 points, including a 39-point second half that spearheaded the team to a dominant victory.
Game 5 was a different story, as the Pistons were comfortable playing at home. Unfortunately, they could not protect home court, as the Cavaliers finally got their first road win of the postseason in overtime.
MORE:The Cavaliers' 23-0 third-quarter run in Game 4 that set an all-time franchise record
Harden was instrumental in the win, controlling the game with his scoring and playmaking. Mitchell did not play at the same level as in Game 4, but he knew that Harden had the hot hand and the momentum in the game.
"You saw what he did in the second half of the last game. So, he was a little exhausted; it was my opportunity to get out there and be aggressive and make plays. It's not gonna be an easy Game 6," Harden said to Lisa Salters after the Game 5 win.
The Cavaliers now have a chance to advance into the Eastern Conference Finals in Game 6, where the New York Knicks are waiting.
However, Harden said that he does not want to get ahead of himself. The Pistons have shown grit in this offseason, especially when they came back from a 3-1 deficit. Moving forward, Harden will want to step up, and the same goes for Mitchell.
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