The Cleveland Cavaliers came into Game 3 in desperate need of a spark—and they found it on the road in Indianapolis. With their backs against the wall, the Cavs responded with heart, hustle, and a massive win to get on the board in the series. In front of a roaring Indiana crowd, Cleveland delivered a gritty, physical performance that reminded everyone: this series is far from over.
From the opening tip, the Cavs looked like a team on a mission. They played with urgency, attacking the basket, contesting every shot, and diving for loose balls. Donovan Mitchell once again led the charge, putting together a brilliant all-around performance. After back-to-back scoring explosions in the previous games, Mitchell didn’t let up—dropping 37 points, dishing out key assists, and setting the tone for his squad.
But this win was about more than just Mitchell. The supporting cast finally clicked at the right time. Darius Garland looked like his old self, finding rhythm in the pick-and-roll and scoring efficiently from mid-range and deep. His 22 points and seven assists were a welcome sight for Cavs fans, especially after a couple of quieter outings. Garland’s aggressiveness in the second half helped Cleveland maintain their lead during Indiana’s late pushes.
Cleveland’s big men were crucial as well. Evan Mobley had one of his most impactful games of the postseason, recording a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds while anchoring the defense. Jarrett Allen added another layer of toughness in the paint, swatting shots and making life miserable for the Pacers’ frontcourt. Their presence helped hold Indiana to one of their worst shooting performances of the playoffs so far.
Defensively, the Cavs made major adjustments. After struggling to contain Indiana’s fast-paced attack in the first two games, Cleveland slowed things down, clogged driving lanes, and forced contested jumpers. Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro came off the bench and delivered high-energy minutes, pressuring the ball and providing physical perimeter defense. The Cavs held the Pacers to just 97 points—well below their playoff average.
Perhaps the most impressive part of Cleveland’s win was their poise. Every time the Pacers made a run and the crowd threatened to take over the game, the Cavs responded. Whether it was a clutch three, a critical defensive stop, or a tough finish at the rim, Cleveland had the answers. This wasn’t just a win—it was a message.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team postgame, saying, “We knew we had to respond. The guys didn’t flinch. They locked in, and we got the result we came here for.” With the series now at 2-1, the Cavaliers are right back in it—and with another game in Indy coming up, the momentum may just be shifting.
The Cavs got on the board—and they did it with grit, teamwork, and a whole lot of fight. ⚔️
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