On May 10, 2025, the NBA playoffs Eastern Conference semifinals saw the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Indiana Pacers 126-104 at the Pacers' home court, marking a crucial victory that prevented the Cavaliers from being swept in the series. This game was pivotal for the Cavaliers, who had lost the first two matchups, including a heart-wrenching defeat in Game 2 where they squandered a 14-point lead, only to see Pacers' star Tyrese Haliburton hit a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock.
With the return of key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter, the Cavaliers entered this game with renewed confidence. They quickly established dominance, starting the game with a 23-8 run that set the tone for the rest of the match. Despite a brief counterattack from the Pacers, who managed to tie the first quarter at 32-32, the Cavaliers surged ahead in the second quarter.
In the second quarter, the Cavaliers showcased their offensive prowess, outscoring the Pacers 34-13. Donovan Mitchell, the star of the night, contributed significantly, scoring 43 points along with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. His performance was critical as he became the first player in this year's playoffs to score over 40 points in consecutive games, following his 48-point outing in Game 2.
The Pacers struggled with their shooting in the second quarter, going 0-for-11 from three-point range, which hindered their ability to keep pace with the Cavaliers. By halftime, the Cavaliers had built a commanding lead of 66-45, largely due to Mitchell's explosive scoring and the Cavaliers' strong defense that forced the Pacers into difficult shots.
As the second half unfolded, the Pacers attempted to claw their way back into the game. They managed to reduce the deficit to 11 points in the fourth quarter, thanks in part to a revitalized performance from their bench players, including Bennedict Mathurin who scored 23 points. However, every time the Pacers threatened to make it a closer contest, Mitchell would respond with crucial baskets to maintain the Cavaliers' lead.
In a critical moment during the final quarter, after the Pacers had cut the lead to 9 points, Mitchell scored 13 points in quick succession, including a three-pointer that re-established a comfortable lead for the Cavaliers. Max Strus also contributed with 20 points, helping to seal the victory for Cleveland.
The Cavaliers' ability to control the boards was another key factor in their win, as they dominated the rebounding battle 56-37, including an impressive 18 offensive rebounds compared to the Pacers' 4. This disparity allowed the Cavaliers to score 31 points on second-chance opportunities, further solidifying their advantage.
For the Pacers, Haliburton, who had been a standout in the previous games, struggled significantly, finishing with only 4 points and 5 assists on 2-of-8 shooting. The team had relied heavily on his playmaking abilities in the first two games, but his off night proved detrimental.
With this victory, the Cavaliers have narrowed the series to 1-2, and they will look to continue their momentum in Game 4, which will also take place in Indiana. The Pacers, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to counter the Cavaliers' adjustments if they hope to reclaim their earlier dominance in the series.
As the playoffs continue, all eyes will be on how both teams adjust for the upcoming games. Will the Cavaliers maintain their newfound energy and capitalize on their home-court advantage, or can the Pacers bounce back and regain control of the series? The excitement of the NBA playoffs is palpable, and fans can expect thrilling basketball in the days to come.
