AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 24 (UPI) -- LeBron James made six points in a 13-0 run early in the fourth period Friday, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 79-68 victory over Detroit.
The Cavaliers took a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven, first-round series and can finish off the Pistons when Detroit hosts the fourth game Sunday. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win an NBA playoff series.
Cleveland scored only nine points in the third period and found itself locked in a 58-58 tie 2 minutes deep into the fourth quarter.
Joe Smith then hit a 3-point shot and a hook in the lane to give the Cavaliers a 63-58 lead, after which Detroit got back within three on Arron Afflalo's layup.
The Pistons, however, went scoreless for the next 5 minutes while Cleveland took control of the game.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas finished off the 13-point run with a 3-pointer off an assist from James to give the Cavaliers a 76-60 cushion.
James finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Smith added 19 points and Ilgauskas had 13.
Detroit was led by 15 points from Richard Hamilton.
Cleveland shot just 41 percent from the field and made only 4-of-22 attempts from 3-point range. The Cavaliers took 18 more free throws than did the Pistons and made nine more.
