Cavaliers earn must-win Game 3 at home, defeating Pistons 116-109 with Donovan Mitchell scoring 35 points

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 116-109 in Game 3 of their second-round NBA playoff series on Saturday, May 9, 2026, cutting their series deficit to 2-1. Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 35 points, while he and James Harden combined for 54 points in a must-win home game. Cleveland showed improved aggressiveness and shot-making after dropping the first two games of the series.