The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a crucial 126-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, cutting the series deficit to 1-2. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 43 points and 9 rebounds, ensuring the Cavs held onto a 24-point lead.
After a tied 36-36 score, Cleveland surged ahead with a 25-4 run, leading 66-45 at halftime. The Pacers closed the gap to 104-93 in the fourth quarter, but Mitchell’s fadeaway, pull-up three, and assist to Max Strus for another three sealed the win. Strus contributed 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists (4/8 3P). The return of Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hutner, and Darius Garland bolstered the Cavs, who hit 14 threes and dominated rebounds 56-37.
Tyrese Haliburton struggled for the Pacers with 4 points and 5 assists, while Bennedict Mathurin (23 points) and Pascal Siakam (18) led the scoring. Game 4 is Sunday in Indiana—can Cleveland strike on the road again?
