Cavs star James Harden’s ‘what chatter’ question will frustrate his critics after Game 3

The Cleveland Cavaliers kept their Eastern Conference Semifinals series alive against the Detroit Pistons by winning Game 3 116-109. Donovan Mitchell produced a massive 35-point display as Cleveland overcame Cade Cunningham’s 27-point double-double to make the series 2-1.

Post-game, James Harden had a reassuringly composed response when asked about the criticism he and the Cavs faced in the build-up to Game 3, per a post on X by ClutchPoints.

“What chatter?… I put basketball, and whatever this team needs me to do, Imma go out there and do it. So, let the game play out, they made a run, we seen it before. Stay composed, and win the game. That’s what we do,” he said.

"How did you silence the chatter tonight and have this sort of response in Game 3?"

James Harden: "What chatter?… I put basketball, and whatever this team needs me to do, Imma go out there and do it."

(via @NBAonNBC)pic.twitter.com/fEr4jBeAWY

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 9, 2026

The veteran guard finished with 19 points and seven assists, but his late-game scoring changed the game. Harden hit a late step-back midrange jumper to give Cleveland a four-point lead, followed it with a floating runner after a Cade Cunningham dunk, and then delivered the game’s biggest shot with 25 seconds remaining, a step-back three-pointer over Tobias Harris that pushed the Cavs ahead 113-109.

Mitchell scored 35 points while adding 10 rebounds and five assists. He scored 20 points in the first half alone and reached 2,000 career postseason points in just his 73rd playoff game, tying for the third-fastest mark among active NBA players and the ninth-fastest in league history.

Jarrett Allen finished with 18 points while Evan Mobley added 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Dennis Schroder scored 11 points off the bench while Evan Mobley had 13 points and eight rebounds.

For Detroit, Cunningham finished with his second career playoff triple-double, recording 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but he also had eight turnovers. Harris had 21 points on the night while Duncan Robinson scored 15. The latter tied the score late at 104 with a three-pointer before the Cavs took control.

The Cavs are now undefeated at home during the postseason, improving to 5-0 in Cleveland despite trailing the series overall 2-1.

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