Donovan Mitchell is on an absolute tear, and the Indiana Pacers are finding out the hard way. In Game 3 of the first-round playoff series, Mitchell once again proved why he’s one of the most lethal scorers in postseason basketball, dropping over 40 points for the second straight game and leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a crucial win on the road. With the victory, the Cavs take a 2-1 series lead — and the energy around Mitchell feels unstoppable.
Mitchell finished Game 3 with 42 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, putting together another jaw-dropping performance that left fans, teammates, and even opponents shaking their heads. He shot efficiently from the field, attacked the rim relentlessly, and buried tough shots from deep, many of them under heavy defensive pressure. It didn’t matter what Indiana threw at him — Mitchell had an answer every time.
His Game 3 effort came on the heels of a 41-point explosion in Game 2, marking back-to-back games with 40 or more points — a feat that only a few elite players have accomplished in Cavaliers postseason history. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. With the series tied at 1-1 and momentum up for grabs, Mitchell didn’t just show up — he took over.
From the opening minutes of Game 3, Mitchell had that look in his eyes — locked in, unfazed, and ready to carry the load. Whether it was isolating at the top of the key, pulling up in transition, or finishing through contact at the rim, Mitchell controlled the pace and flow of the game. He scored 20 of his 42 in the second half, including a stretch in the fourth quarter where he completely silenced the Pacers’ comeback attempt with back-to-back threes and a driving and-one finish.
Beyond the numbers, Mitchell’s leadership was on full display. He communicated constantly, pushed the tempo, and set the emotional tone for the Cavaliers. His ability to rise in the playoffs has become a signature of his career, and now Cleveland is reaping the rewards. The chemistry he’s building with teammates like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus is evident — and dangerous.
“Donovan’s just built for this,” said head coach J.B. Bickerstaff postgame. “When we need him most, he delivers. He’s not afraid of the moment, and that confidence rubs off on the whole team.”
With his second straight 40+ point game, Mitchell now joins a rare group of playoff performers in franchise history — and he’s far from finished. The Cavaliers head into Game 4 with a chance to seize full control of the series, and with Mitchell playing at this level, it’s hard to bet against them.
As the postseason rolls on, one thing is clear: Donovan Mitchell is in superstar mode, and the Cavs are riding his fire. ⚔️
