James Harden finally came good for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three although he does not believe it will silence his critics.
Harden started the series slowly but rebounded well with 19 points, including seven in the final 90 seconds, to carry the Cavaliers to a 116-109 win over the Detroit Pistons that puts them back in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Detroit lead 2-1 but Cleveland can still feel confident if Harden comes to the party throughout the remainder of the series.
“I love it,” said Harden. “When my number is called, just getting to my spots. It’s something I work on literally every day. It’s basically repetition and it’s the confidence to go out there and do it.”
Harden backs himself despite rough period
Harden was acquired by the Cavs in the middle of the season in the hope his 17-year experience in the NBA will prove beneficial.
His performances so far have been a let down but ‘The Beard’ remains confident in his ability, adding: “I didn’t average 30 points in the regular season; you know what I mean? I’m literally here to find my spots, figure out what needs to be done and try to contribute in the best way possible.
“Chatter is going to be chatter regardless. Whether you do something good, whether you do something bad. For me, still, you give me opportunities in this fourth quarter, and I take advantage of them.
“I’ve done an unbelievable job throughout the course of my career of just understanding what the job needs to be, especially as I get older and doing whatever it takes to win the game. That’s the most important thing.”
Cavaliers coach Atkinson hails heroic Harden
Harden’s late surge in which he took over from Donovan Mitchell as Cleveland’s go-to man also earned the praise of coach Kenny Atkinson.
“It’s the James Harden I’ve seen for how many years he’s been in the NBA,” Atkinson said. “That’s the James we know. We needed it tonight.
“It was the variety of his repertoire that was impressive.”
Mitchell scored 35 points and also provided 10 rebounds for Cleveland, who will host Game Four tomorrow.
Cade Cunningham top-scored for the Pistons with 27 points while also adding 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
