INDIANAPOLIS — Determined not to let another lead slip through their fingers, Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their resolve against the Indiana Pacers. With the boisterous crowd trying to lift the home team, Mitchell, undeterred, propelled the Cavaliers past the Pacers with a 126-104 victory on Friday night. This win narrowed the Cavaliers’ series deficit to 2-1 in the semifinals.
Mitchell’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he notched 43 points and nine rebounds, proving irresistible in the game’s final moments. “I couldn’t let it happen again, and it wasn’t just me,” Mitchell reflected. His crucial shots, including a 13-foot fadeaway and a commanding pull-up three-pointer, rekindled Cleveland’s momentum. The collective defensive effort and timely playmaking complemented his scoring touch, with Mitchell emphasizing, “But for me, just trying to be the aggressor.”
Despite the Cavaliers holding court on enemy turf in all three games thus far, the Pacers anticipate another battle on their floor during Game 4 this Sunday. The weekend encounter will be pivotal, as Cleveland looks to build on its momentum. Friday night’s game marked a collective resurgence for the Cavaliers, who were determined not to fall into a severe 3-0 deficit in the series.
Notably, the Cavaliers saw the return of notable players like Evan Mobley, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and De’Andre Hutner, both of whom reclaimed their roles after missing Game 2 due to injuries. Darius Garland’s comeback from a toe injury, which sidelined him for four games, added an essential boost. Cleveland reverted to their reliable regular-season strategies, connecting on 14 three-pointers, dominating the boards with a 56-37 advantage, and utilizing a tight zone defense to stifle Indiana’s potent offense.
Coach Kenny Atkinson nodded to Mitchell’s decisive play, particularly pointing out a pivotal moment: “‘The first one was a selfish shot, but he needed to be selfish there,” Atkinson commented. “He needed to seize that moment even if it wasn’t the textbook play.” The collective efforts were further highlighted by Max Strus, who scored 20 points, grabbed seven boards, and dished seven assists, providing consistent support throughout a game Cleveland never trailed.
Indiana’s offensive threats, like Bennedict Mathurin, who led the Pacers with 23 points, and Pascal Siakam, contributing 18, couldn’t overcome Cleveland’s intensity. Tyrese Haliburton, notably, endured a quiet night by his standards with just four points and five assists, marking the first postseason home loss he’s experienced. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the team’s tepid start and their struggle throughout, expressing his determination to better position Haliburton for success in upcoming games.
In an intensely physical matchup, players from both squads frequently found themselves on the hardwood. De’Andre Hutner absorbed a challenging blow in the second quarter but persevered, while Mitchell’s hustle saw him spill into the front-row seats. Tensions boiled over at various points, with the Pacers accumulating five technical fouls. Ultimately, Cleveland broke away in the second quarter with a staggering 25-4 run, setting up a commanding 66-45 lead at the half.
Though Indiana made a late push, closing the gap to 104-93, Mitchell and Strus orchestrated a final surge to ensure victory. With the series heating up, Sunday’s game looms as an opportunity for both teams to stake their claim further.