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The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the brink of the Eastern Conference Finals after holding off the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime, taking a 3-2 lead in their semi-final series. James Harden led the charge with 30 points as Cleveland battled back from a 15-point deficit to secure a crucial road win and move within one victory of closing out the series.<\/p>\n
Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream an average 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs.| New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n The Cleveland Cavaliers moved to within one win of the Eastern Conference Finals after grinding out a 117-113 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons today.<\/p>\n Powered by a 30-point performance from James Harden, Cleveland secured its first road win of the playoffs to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven semi-final series. <\/p>\n The Cavaliers will now have the chance to close out the series at home in Game 6 on Friday, with the New York Knicks already waiting in the Eastern Conference Finals.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat time to have a first road win,\u201d Harden said after Cleveland claimed its third straight victory of the series.<\/p>\n The Cavaliers were forced to dig deep after trailing by as many as 15 points in the opening half, with Detroit star Cade Cunningham producing a dominant 39-point display.<\/p>\n Cleveland fought back in the third quarter, but Detroit looked to have regained control late in regulation after a 12-0 run opened up a nine-point lead with under four minutes remaining.<\/p>\n Cunningham hit a late jumper to cut the margin back to two points with 25.9 seconds remaining in overtime, but the Pistons could not get any closer.<\/p>\n Donovan Mitchell added 21 points for Cleveland, while Max Strus provided a valuable spark off the bench with 20 points. Jarrett Allen also delivered a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.<\/p>\n Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised Harden\u2019s composure in the clutch, saying it was exactly why the organisation targeted the veteran guard earlier this year.<\/p>\n \u201cBig reason we got him, that\u2019s what we expected,\u201d Atkinson said. <\/p>\n \u201cHe adds a maturity and a poise, calmness to our group, which we needed.\u201d<\/p>\n Cunningham also finished with nine assists and seven rebounds, while Daniss Jenkins added 19 points for Detroit, which now faces elimination heading back to Cleveland.<\/p>\n