Not this time.
Back at full strength, Cleveland finally showed up — on the road — after dropping the first two games of the series at home to the Indiana Pacers.
Donovan Mitchell unloaded 43 points, towing the Cavaliers strong 126-104 beatdown of the Pacers in Game 3 to trim their East semis deficit to 2-1, Saturday (PH time), May 10.
CAVS GET ON THE BOARD IN INDY ??
— ESPN (@espn) May 10, 2025
Donovan Mitchell and the squad came to play in Game 3 😤
After Indiana cut a once 24-point deficit to just 11 at 93-104 early in the fourth, Mitchell responded with five quick points then set-up a Max Struss triple to restore order, 112-95.
HUGE 3 by Max Strus, he now has 20 points and 8-12 from the floor!
— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2025
CLE (0-2) IND I 4Q on ESPN
Cleveland then widened their gap to as much 25 points after that en route to handing the Pacers their first home loss this playoffs.
It marked the second straight game Mitchell reached the 40-point plateau after dropping 48 points in Game 2. He added nine rebounds, five assists, five threes and got plenty of help especially from Evan Mobley.
Absorbs the contact... and gets 2 points!
— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2025
40 POINTS FOR DONOVAN MITCHELL 😱
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year returned after missing Game 2 due to a left ankle sprain and posted 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and three steals.
OOP there is is! #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 10, 2025
Darius Garland played for the first time since missing the last four games because of a left big toe sprain. De'Andre Hunter also suited up after dealing with a right thumb sprain.
Jarret Allen muscled his way to a strong 19-point, 12-rebound double-double as Max Struss chipped in 20 markers, seven boards, and seven dimes and four treys.
Clear the lane! JA is driving! @_bigjayy_ | #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 10, 2025
Game 4 is set on Monday (PH time), May 12 with the Cavaliers aiming to tie the series at 2-2.
On the other hand, Bennedict Mathurin paced the Pacers with 23 points off the bench while Pascal Siakam logged 18 markers.
Tyrese Haliburton, who drilled the game-winning three in Game 2, was limited to just four points and five assists as Indiana absorbed their first home loss this playoffs.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
