KEYPOINTS SUMMARY
- Cavaliers beat Pacers 126-104 in Game 3 of the Eastern Semifinals
- Donovan Mitchell scores 43 points and grabs 9 rebounds in monster night
- Series now 2-1 with all three games won by the road team
- Cavs dominate with 14 three-pointers and 56-37 rebounding edge
- Full Cleveland lineup returns for first time this series
- Strus shines with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists
- Pacers flustered, pick up five technical fouls
- Game 4 set for Sunday as Pacers try to regroup at home
Cavaliers Beat Pacers to Stay Alive—Mitchell Erupts for 43!
Donovan Mitchell said, “not today.”
With their backs against the wall and the season teetering on the edge, the Cleveland Cavaliers roared back with a vengeance, beating the Indiana Pacers 126-104 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Friday night.
The man leading the charge? None other than Donovan Mitchell, who lit up the stat sheet with a jaw-dropping 43 points and 9 rebounds, silencing a rowdy Indiana crowd and single-handedly keeping Cleveland’s championship hopes alive.
“We knew we couldn’t go down 3-0,” Mitchell said postgame. “We came here to fight—and we ain’t done yet.”
Game 3: Total Domination by Cleveland
This wasn’t just a win. It was a message.
After dropping the first two games in heartbreaking fashion, the Cavs came out swinging—and never stopped. They led by as many as 26, never trailed, and completely dismantled the Pacers on both ends of the floor.
Key team stats:
- 14 three-pointers made
- 56-37 rebounding advantage
- 25-4 second quarter run
- Zone defense that finally slowed down Indiana
From the opening tip to the final buzzer, this was Cleveland’s night.
Donovan Mitchell: Superstar Mode Activated
Donovan Mitchell was absolutely unstoppable.
He finished with:
- 43 points
- 9 rebounds
- 5 assists
- 2 steals
- A whole lot of swagger
He hit contested shots, slashed through defenders, buried triples, and even played gritty defense. This was a vintage playoff performance that reminded the world why Mitchell is one of the most feared guards in the game.
“This is what the playoffs are all about,” Mitchell said. “I came here to lead, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Strus, Garland, and the Full Squad Step Up
This was also the first time in the series that Cleveland had its full lineup back—and it showed.
- Max Strus: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 threes
- Darius Garland: finally back and facilitating
- Evan Mobley: anchoring the paint and setting screens
- De’Andre Hunter: tough defense and physical play inside
Strus, in particular, was electric—hitting huge shots whenever the Pacers tried to rally.
“We were sick of hearing about Indiana,” he said. “We’re still here. Don’t forget it.”
Pacers Struggle, Tempers Boil Over
This was not Indiana’s night.
- Bennedict Mathurin led the team with 23 points
- Pascal Siakam chipped in 18
- Tyrese Haliburton? Just 4 points and 5 assists—his worst playoff performance yet
And it got ugly.
Indiana:
- Committed 5 technical fouls, including one for delay of game
- Got visibly frustrated with physical play
- Failed to match Cleveland’s energy and focus
Even the fans were stunned as their team fell behind by double digits early in the second quarter and never recovered.
Brutal Collisions, Flying Bodies, and Raw Emotions
This was by far the most physical game of the series.
- Mitchell took a hard spill into the front-row seats
- Hunter absorbed a brutal shoulder check that nearly knocked him down
- Players were sprawled on the floor after every loose ball
This was playoff basketball at its grittiest—and its ugliest.
And guess what? It’s only Game 3.
Momentum Shift: Cleveland Has Life Again
Down 0-2, everyone was counting the Cavaliers out.
Not anymore.
With this win, Cleveland:
- Cuts the series deficit to 2-1
- Regains momentum
- Forces Indiana to prove they can close the door
Game 4 is now everything.
If Cleveland wins again?
It’s a tied series heading back to Ohio—and all bets are off.
What’s Next: Game 4 Set for Sunday
Get ready for fireworks.
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Time: Sunday, 7:00 p.m. ET
- National TV: ESPN
- Betting line: Likely even after Game 3 shocker
Will Indiana bounce back?
Or will Cleveland steal another one and flip the series?
The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Fan Reactions: Cavs Nation Comes Alive
Cleveland fans were fired up all night:
- “DONOVAN FREAKING MITCHELL!!!”
- “Strus is HIM.”
- “Pacers, you poked the wrong bear.”
- “This series is FAR from over.”
The playoff buzz is back—and Cavs Nation is ready to believe again.
Cavaliers Beat Pacers, Mitchell Steals the Show
Let’s be clear—the Cavaliers beat Pacers tonight with a statement.
They didn’t just win—they dominated.
They didn’t just survive—they fought back.
And Donovan Mitchell proved once again why he’s one of the NBA’s most dangerous postseason players.
Indiana still leads the series 2-1—but for the first time, they’re feeling the heat.
Game 4? It’s going to be a war.
And if Mitchell brings this energy again?
Cleveland could be back in control.
