The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back on Friday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers by a decisive 126-104 in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series. This victory marks the Cavaliers' first win of the series, narrowing the Pacers' lead to 2-1. The Cavaliers were bolstered by the return of key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter, who had been sidelined due to injuries.
Cleveland started the game on fire, scoring the first 11 points and taking a commanding 25-10 lead early in the first quarter. However, the Pacers fought back, tying the game at 32-32 by the end of the first period, thanks to a strong 22-7 run that included a three-pointer from Ben Sheppard.
In the second quarter, the Cavaliers shifted gears dramatically. Head coach Kenny Atkinson's decision to implement a zone defense stifled Indiana's offense, allowing Cleveland to outscore the Pacers 34-13 in that quarter. By halftime, the Cavaliers had built a comfortable 66-45 lead.
Donovan Mitchell was the standout performer for the Cavaliers, scoring an impressive 43 points on 14-of-29 shooting, including 5-of-13 from beyond the arc. He also contributed nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal in 37 minutes of play. Mitchell's scoring prowess was crucial, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Pacers cut the lead to 11 points. He responded by scoring the team's next eight points, helping to re-establish a 17-point lead.
Max Strus also had a significant impact, contributing 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Evan Mobley, returning from injury, added 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen chipped in with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Darius Garland, making his first appearance since April 23, scored 10 points in 25 minutes. Hunter, coming off the bench, scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton struggled, finishing with just four points on 2-of-8 shooting. Bennedict Mathurin was the bright spot for Indiana, scoring 23 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Cavaliers' dominant performance.
The Cavaliers' ability to crash the boards was a significant factor in their victory, as they recorded 18 offensive rebounds compared to Indiana's four. This dominance on the glass allowed Cleveland to maintain control throughout the game.
As the game progressed, the Cavaliers stayed in firm control, entering the fourth quarter with an 18-point lead. Although the Pacers managed to cut the deficit to 11 points midway through the fourth quarter, Cleveland responded decisively. Mitchell's leadership and scoring ability ensured that there would be no repeat of the previous game, where the Cavaliers had suffered a heartbreaking loss.
With this win, the Cavaliers have shown that they are still very much in the series. They will look to tie it up in Game 4, which is set to take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a crucial advantage in this playoff series.
As the series unfolds, the Cavaliers will aim to build on this momentum and level the series, while the Pacers will look to reclaim their dominance. With both teams showing flashes of brilliance, the upcoming games promise to be thrilling.
