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The Cleveland Cavaliers roared back to life in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, delivering a resounding 126-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers and clawing their way back into the series. Max Strus put on a historic performance, flirting with a triple-double and igniting the Cavs' offense with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Combined with Donovan Mitchell's continued scoring explosion and dominant inside play, the win narrows the Pacers' series lead to 2-1.
After dropping the first two games on the road, the Cavaliers returned to their home court with a vengeance. They exploited the Pacers' defensive vulnerabilities in the paint and capitalized on second-chance opportunities to set the stage for a crucial Game 4 showdown in Indianapolis, where Cleveland will look to even the series. Mitchell, fresh off back-to-back 40+ point playoff games, continued to be a driving force for the Cavs.
Cavs Dominate Game 3 to Narrow Series Deficit Against Pacers to 2-1
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavaliers delivered a resounding victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 126-104 on Friday night. This crucial win narrows the series deficit to 2-1, giving Cleveland renewed momentum heading into Sunday's Game 4 in Indianapolis. The Cavs controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing a dominant performance on both ends of the court.
Max Strus, a player known more for grit than headlines, delivered a historic performance in this crucial Game 3 victory. Strus scored 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out seven assists while shooting an efficient 8-of-12 from the field, including 4-of-8 from three-point range. This impressive stat line made him the first Cavalier since LeBron James to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a playoff game while shooting 65% or better from the field.
His plus-32 rating in 33 minutes highlighted his impact on the game, as he helped propel the Cavaliers to the dominant win. Strus's performance also etched his name in the Cavaliers' playoff history books as the sixth player to achieve at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists without committing a single turnover. This win trimmed Indiana's series lead to 2-1.
Facing a must-win situation after dropping the first two games at home, Strus's poise and efficiency proved invaluable. "It's a big win, but it's just one," the second-year Cavalier commented after the game, emphasizing the team's focus on the task ahead. "We can't get too high, can't get too low." The Cavaliers will look to even the series in Game 4 on Sunday night in Indianapolis.
The Pacers' interior defense struggled mightily to contain the Cavaliers' frontcourt, particularly Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Allen and Mobley combined for 37 points and 25 rebounds, dominating the paint and generating numerous second-chance opportunities. Indiana's inability to box out effectively allowed Cleveland to extend possessions and capitalize on offensive rebounds, leading to easy putbacks and a significant advantage in points in the paint.
This deficiency in the Pacers' defense proved to be a critical factor in the Cavaliers' runaway victory. Cleveland's big men consistently established deep post position, drawing fouls and finishing at the rim with ease. The Pacers' defensive rotations were often slow and disjointed, leaving Allen and Mobley open for dunks and layups, allowing the Cavaliers to build a substantial lead and ultimately dictate the tempo of the game.
Donovan Mitchell's Back-to-Back 40+ Point Playoff Games Propel Cavs' Offense
Donovan Mitchell's explosive scoring has been the driving force behind the Cleveland Cavaliers' resurgence in their series against the Indiana Pacers. Following up his dominant performance in the previous game, Mitchell again erupted for 43 points, alongside 9 rebounds, in the Cavaliers' crucial Game 3 victory. His ability to consistently attack the basket and create scoring opportunities, both for himself and his teammates, has proven too much for the Pacers' defense to handle. This back-to-back 40+ point outburst in the playoffs has not only kept the Cavaliers alive but has also shifted the momentum of the series.
Mitchell's aggressive playmaking opened up opportunities for other Cavaliers players to contribute offensively. Evan Mobley, with his 18 points and 13 rebounds, benefited from the Pacers' focus on Mitchell, finding space for easy baskets and second-chance points. This balanced offensive attack, spearheaded by Mitchell's scoring prowess, allowed the Cavaliers to dominate the paint and build a lead too large for the Pacers to overcome, despite their typically strong fourth-quarter performance. Mitchell's leadership and scoring have ignited the Cavaliers' offense, giving them a fighting chance to even the series.
Cavs Look to Even the Series in Game 4 in Indianapolis
After a decisive 126-104 victory in Game 3, the Cleveland Cavaliers head to Indianapolis for Game 4 on Sunday, aiming to even the Eastern Conference semifinals series at 2-2 against the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs dominated Friday night's matchup and will look to carry that momentum into a hostile road environment.
With a dominant Game 3 victory fueled by Max Strus's all-around brilliance and Donovan Mitchell's continued offensive explosion, the Cavaliers have clawed their way back into the series, narrowing the Pacers' lead to 2-1. Cleveland's ability to exploit Indiana's interior defense and capitalize on second-chance opportunities proved crucial. The momentum has undeniably shifted, and all eyes now turn to Indianapolis for Game 4, where the Cavaliers will look to level the series and reclaim home-court advantage in this hard-fought battle.
Fans can hear further analysis of Game 3 and a preview of the crucial Game 4 matchup on the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast. Hosts Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins will break down Friday's win and discuss the keys for the Cavs to steal another game on the road. The show will be live-streamed on YouTube at 1 a.m. ET.
