The Cleveland Cavaliers won 116-109 in Game 3 over the Pistons, largely thanks to coach Kenny Atkinson's decisions regarding coaching, rotation shifts, and player Sam Merrill's refusal to let an injury keep him off the floor. These changes were made to accommodate James Harden's performance and the need for a decisive game. The shift away from Keon Ellis in favor of Sam Merrill and more time for Dennis Schroder were seen as crucial contributions. The Schroder adjustment relieved some of Harden's creative burden early on and allowed the Cavs to push pace the way Atkinson needed to. Despite a 2-1 series deficit, these decisions set a standard in a locker room for accountability.