Cavaliers Reignite Series with Commanding Game 3 Win Over Pacers

Mitchell Drops Another 43 as Cleveland Finds Its Rhythm

With their rotation finally intact, the Cleveland Cavaliers delivered their most complete performance of the postseason, defeating the Indiana Pacers 126-104 on the road to claim their first win of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Donovan Mitchell once again carried the scoring load, pouring in 43 points for the second straight game — but this time, he had help.

Key Reinforcements Return for Cleveland

Darius Garland returned after a three-week absence due to a sprained left toe and contributed 10 points in 25 minutes. Evan Mobley, back from an ankle injury, was a force on both ends, tallying 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. De’Andre Hunter added eight points off the bench in his return.

Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson credited the group’s toughness:

“It was kind of now or never. They showed a lot of fortitude.”

Mitchell said even a limited Garland made a difference:

“I told him, 20% of you is all we need.”

The starting five of Garland, Mitchell, Max Strus, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen outscored the Pacers by 27 points in just 14 minutes on the floor, according to ESPN Research.

Cleveland’s Defense Smothers Haliburton, Indiana

This was one of Indiana’s worst offensive showings of the postseason. Tyrese Haliburton was held to just four points on 2-of-8 shooting. Mobley and Hunter helped anchor a Cavaliers defense that completely disrupted Indiana’s rhythm.

“We haven’t done anything,” Mitchell said postgame. “We got to do it again. The next one’s going to be the hardest game of the series.”

What’s Next: Pivotal Game 4 on Sunday

Game 4 will be played Sunday night in Indianapolis, where the Cavaliers will look to even the series 2-2 and carry momentum back to Cleveland.

For Indiana, it’s a wake-up call after two strong opening games. For Cleveland, it’s a reminder of how dangerous they can be when fully healthy.