Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a crucial 126-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday night. Mitchell scored an impressive 43 points and grabbed nine rebounds, helping the Cavaliers cut the Pacers’ series lead to 2-1.
The game took place in Indianapolis, where the Cavaliers were eager to avoid falling into a 3-0 series hole. They came out strong, making 14 three-pointers and dominating the boards with a 56-37 rebounding advantage. The return of key players, including NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and All-Star guard Darius Garland, provided much-needed support for Mitchell, who had been carrying the team in previous games.
Max Strus also made a significant impact, contributing 20 points along with seven rebounds and seven assists. The Cavaliers established control early, breaking a 36-36 tie with a 25-4 run to take a commanding 66-45 lead at halftime. They never trailed in the game, even when the Pacers attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter.
Benedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam added 18. Tyrese Haliburton, who had been a standout player for Indiana, struggled in this game, finishing with just four points and five assists. This marked Haliburton’s first home loss in a postseason game.
The game was marked by physical play, with players frequently hitting the floor. Tempers flared, leading to five technical fouls for the Pacers, including one for a delay of game. Despite the intensity, the Cavaliers maintained their composure, responding effectively to any challenges from Indiana.
As the series continues, the Pacers will have another opportunity to regain their footing in Game 4 on Sunday. The road team has won each game so far, adding an intriguing dynamic to the matchup. With the Cavaliers now at full strength, the stakes are higher than ever.