Donovan Mitchell was not about to let the Cleveland Cavaliers lose another fourth-quarter lead. With the Indiana fans expecting a comeback, Mitchell delivered when it mattered most. The Cavaliers escaped with a 126-104 win, tightening their series gap to 2-1.
After Indiana trimmed a 24-point deficit, Mitchell silenced the home crowd with an impressive sequence: a smooth 13-foot fadeaway, a clutch pull-up 3-pointer, and a smart pass to Max Strus for another three.
"I couldn’t let it happen again," Mitchell declared, finishing with a triumphant 43 points and nine rebounds. "I know I scored, but we got stops, made plays. My aim was to be aggressive."
The Cavaliers used every tool in their toolkit to avoid a dangerous 3-0 series hole. Back on the floor were NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and key reserve De’Andre Hunter after injuries. Darius Garland also returned, bolstering the Cavs with his first appearance after a toe injury.
The Cavs returned to form, sinking 14 three-pointers and dominating the glass with a 56-37 rebounding margin. Even a zone defense came into play to thwart Indiana's offense.
While the road teams have won all three games, the Pacers hope to change that in Game 4 on Sunday.
Max Strus was vital, adding 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. His four three-pointers kept Cleveland ahead throughout the contest.
For Indiana, Bennedict Mathurin led with 23 points. Despite their effort, Coach Rick Carlisle lamented the inconsistencies. "This was a poor start, and I didn’t prepare these guys enough," he conceded.
Physicality ratcheted up in this third bout. De’Andre Hunter shrugged off a collision in the second quarter, and Mitchell took a tumble into the front row. Tensions simmered, with Indiana accumulating five technical fouls.
Ultimately, Cleveland’s 36-36 tie evolved into a commanding 66-45 lead come halftime. Although the Pacers closed in early in the fourth, Mitchell and Strus executed a decisive sequence to secure the win.
