Cleveland forward LeBron James capped a 32-point performance with a clutch jump shot to steer the Cavaliers to an 88-82 win over the Detroit Pistons in Game Three of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday.

After losing the first two games in Detroit, Cleveland came out strong on home court to claw their way back into the best-of-seven series.

"In order for us to win, I have to play like this," James told reporters. "And that's not holding the ball as much and not allowing their defence to set."

James hit a crucial jump shot with 16 seconds left to give Cleveland an 86-82 advantage. The basket halted a string of six consecutive Pistons points - four by Chauncey Billups - that pulled Detroit to within two at 84-82 with 36 seconds remaining.

James finished the game 12-of-21 with nine rebounds and nine assists. Rasheed Wallace led Detroit with 16 points.

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