James Harden ignores all the chatter by responding with a good Game 3 performance

The Cleveland Cavaliers finally have a win on the board in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Detroit Pistons. It was another competitive game, as the Cavs won in a close 116-109 result. 

Donovan Mitchell was excellent with his 35 points and 10 rebounds. However, James Harden was the standout during clutch time, which was much needed because the Pistons started to hone in on stopping Mitchell. 

James Harden silences the critics with a superb Game 3 performance

The Cavaliers desperately needed a win to get back into this series. Of course, it is expected for the home team to win its games, but the Pistons were playing well enough to intimidate a lot of Cavs fans.

Thankfully, the Cavaliers themselves were ready to keep fighting by winning their home games. They started well with a Game 3 win, and they could tie the series up at 2-2 in Game 4.

MORE: How Mitchell and Harden's combined 54 points helped the Cavs take Game 3

Harden was instrumental in the victory, especially when the game was going down to the wire. He had 19 points for the entire game, but it was his 9 fourth-quarter points that led the Cavaliers to the victory.

This was an important win not only for the Cavs but also for Harden. He has been the subject of criticism for a long time for his postseason performances, but he proved he can will a team to a win with his performance in Game 3.

"What chatter? I play basketball, and whatever this team needs me to do, I’m gonna go out there and do it. Win the game, and that’s what we did," Harden said in his post-game interview after Game 3.

As the Cavs move on to Game 4, they will need to keep this momentum going. Cleveland got the much-needed one, so this can boost their confidence, especially with Mitchell also playing well.

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