The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally broken through in their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, winning Game 3 decisively with a score of 126-104 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night. This victory not only marks the Cavaliers' first win of the series, but it also cuts the Pacers' lead to 2-1 in this best-of-seven matchup.
Donovan Mitchell was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 43 points while grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out five assists. His performance was crucial for the Cavaliers, who were desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole—an insurmountable deficit in the history of the NBA playoffs. Mitchell's scoring prowess has been a consistent theme throughout the series, as he had previously scored 48 points in Game 2, showcasing his ability to take over games when it matters most.
In addition to Mitchell's heroics, the Cavaliers welcomed back key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter from injury, which significantly bolstered their lineup. Garland, who had missed the previous four games due to a sprained toe, contributed 10 points and provided much-needed playmaking. Mobley, the Defensive Player of the Year, was also instrumental, finishing with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks.
The game started with the Cavaliers jumping out to an 11-0 lead, establishing their dominance early. However, the Pacers managed to tie the game at 32-32 by the end of the first quarter. But the Cavaliers seized control in the second quarter, outscoring the Pacers 34-13 and taking a commanding 66-45 lead into halftime. This surge was fueled by their strong defensive play, which limited the Pacers' star guard Tyrese Haliburton to just four points on a dismal 2-for-8 shooting night.
Despite the Pacers' efforts to mount a comeback in the second half, cutting the deficit to as little as 11 points in the fourth quarter, Mitchell responded with critical shots, including a three-pointer that halted Indiana's momentum. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, stating, "It's hard to blow a team out by 20. They're not a team that's going to fold easily. We let one slip away at home in a similar fashion, so for me, I couldn't let it happen again. This was a must win."
On the other side, the Pacers struggled offensively. While Bennedict Mathurin led the team with 23 points off the bench, the rest of the squad failed to find their rhythm. Haliburton's performance was particularly disappointing, as he finished with a playoff career-low four points. Coach Rick Carlisle expressed disappointment in his team's effort, saying, "This was a very poor effort at the beginning of the game and through too many parts of the game. We all own it. Pretty clearly, I didn’t have these guys ready for this. I take responsibility for that."
The Pacers also faced issues on the boards, as the Cavaliers dominated the glass, securing 13 offensive rebounds and converting them into 21 second-chance points. In contrast, Indiana could only muster four offensive rebounds throughout the game. This disparity in rebounding was a critical factor in the outcome, as the Cavaliers capitalized on their extra possessions.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will have another chance to even the series when they host Game 4 on Sunday, May 11, 2025. With their key players back in the lineup and Mitchell in top form, they will aim to build on this momentum and level the series at two games apiece. As the playoffs continue, the stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to assert their dominance on the court.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal matchup, the Denver Nuggets also secured a pivotal victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 113-104 in overtime. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 27 points, while Nikola Jokic contributed 20 points and 16 rebounds. This win gave the Nuggets a 2-1 series lead, showcasing their resilience after a tough loss in Game 2. The Nuggets will also look to extend their lead in their upcoming Game 4.
As the playoffs heat up, fans can expect thrilling matchups and intense competition as teams vie for a spot in the Conference Finals. The Cavaliers and Pacers will be no exception, as both teams look to make their mark in this exciting postseason.
