DONOVAN MITCHELL’S SENSATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Game 3 Recap: Cavaliers Dominate Pacers 126–104 to Narrow Series Gap with Donovan Mitchell Performance

In a pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Indiana Pacers 126–104. This victory narrows the series deficit to 2–1, showcasing the Cavaliers’ resilience and strategic prowess.

Donovan Mitchell’s Stellar Performance

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 43 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, marking his second consecutive 40-point game in the series. This achievement places him alongside LeBron James as the only Cavaliers to record back-to-back 40-point games in the postseason.

Defensive Mastery: The 3–2 Zone

The Cavaliers’ implementation of a 3–2 zone defense disrupted the Pacers’ offensive rhythm. Evan Mobley’s versatility at the top of the zone limited driving lanes and contested perimeter shots, contributing to Indiana’s struggles from beyond the arc.

Return of Key Players

The return of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter bolstered the Cavaliers’ lineup. Mobley contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Garland added 10 points, providing balance and depth to the team’s rotation .

Statistical Highlights

• Rebounds: Cavaliers 56, Pacers 37
• Offensive Rebounds: Cavaliers 18, Pacers 4
• Bench Points: Cavaliers 16, Pacers 41

The Cavaliers’ dominance on the boards and effective utilization of second-chance opportunities were critical factors in their victory .

Pacers’ Struggles

Indiana’s offense faltered, with Tyrese Haliburton limited to four points. Despite Bennedict Mathurin’s 23 points off the bench, the Pacers couldn’t overcome the Cavaliers’ defensive pressure and rebounding advantage .

Coaching Adjustments

Head coach Kenny Atkinson’s decision to switch to a 3–2 zone defense and reintegrate key players paid dividends. The strategic changes disrupted Indiana’s offensive flow and allowed Cleveland to control the game’s tempo.

Looking Ahead

With the series now at 2–1, the Cavaliers aim to build on this momentum in Game 4. Continued defensive intensity and balanced scoring will be essential as they seek to even the series.

The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 126–104 to cut the series deficit to 2–1. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists — his second straight 40-point playoff game — tying LeBron James’ franchise record.

The return of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter proved critical. Mobley posted a double-double (18 points, 13 rebounds), while Cleveland’s switch to a 3–2 zone defense stifled Indiana’s offense, holding Tyrese Haliburton to just 4 points. The Cavaliers also dominated the boards (56–37), including 18 offensive rebounds.

Though Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 off the bench for Indiana, the Pacers never recovered from a 34–13 second-quarter onslaught by Cleveland. The Cavaliers controlled tempo, dictated defense, and executed better across the board.

With the series now 2–1, Cleveland will look to even things up in Game 4, while Indiana needs to regroup and adjust to the Cavs’ defensive pressure and improved lineup health.

The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back in a big way in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, cruising past the Indiana Pacers with a 126–104 victory to trim the series deficit to 2–1.

Donovan Mitchell was unstoppable once again, exploding for 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists — becoming only the second player in Cavs history, alongside LeBron James, to post back-to-back 40-point playoff games.

Cleveland’s success was fueled by the return of key players. Evan Mobley anchored the defense with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while the reappearance of Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter helped balance the lineup. Coach Kenny Atkinson’s decision to implement a 3-2 zone defense paid off, completely throwing off Indiana’s rhythm and holding Tyrese Haliburton to just 4 points.

The Cavaliers dominated the second quarter, outscoring Indiana 34–13, and never looked back. They owned the boards with a 56–37 rebounding edge, including 18 offensive rebounds. Despite 23 points from Bennedict Mathurin off the bench, Indiana couldn’t keep pace.

With the series now shifting in momentum, Cleveland eyes Game 4 as a chance to tie things up, while the Pacers must adjust quickly to avoid losing control of the series.

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