Donovan Mitchell’s Masterclass Reshapes Cavaliers’ Momentum
You could almost hear the doubters quiet down as Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell put on a show in Indiana. Coming off two tough losses, Cleveland arrived in Game 3 with something to prove, and Mitchell wasted no time leading the charge. He erupted for 43 points—the kind of scoring barrage that pulls a team out of a funk and into the thick of the NBA playoff conversation. Step-back threes, fearless drives, delicate floaters—Mitchell unloaded his full arsenal, shredding the Pacers' defense and igniting his teammates.
This wasn’t a solo act, either. Cleveland, finally playing with its full roster, moved with a new swagger. Five Cavs posted double-digit points, stretching Indiana’s defenders thin. Jared Allen muscled his way to second-chance buckets, while Max Strus nailed shots from deep to keep the scoreboard humming. The team’s ball movement created open looks, and the energy from Cleveland’s bench—who together poured in 34 points—kept the pressure relentless.
Cleveland’s Second-Quarter Blast Leaves Pacers Reeling
The turning point really came in the second quarter, where Cleveland outscored Indiana 34-13. Suddenly, what had started as a tight contest ballooned into a runaway. The Cavaliers’ help defense left the Pacers floundering for answers, smothering their rhythm and forcing tough shots. Mitchell tore through Indiana’s mismatches in the pick-and-roll, while transition attacks kept the home crowd on edge. For the Pacers, big man Myles Turner tried to keep things afloat with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks, but Cleveland’s defense swarmed him at every turn.
Indiana, who led 2-0 when the night began, couldn’t snap out of their funk despite a solid third-quarter scoring burst. The Cavaliers responded to every run, clamping down with defense and continuously getting the ball into the hands of the hot hand. By halftime, Cleveland was up by 19 and showed no signs of letting up. It was the kind of decisive road win that flips a playoff script—suddenly, all the momentum is with the Cavs as they head back to their own floor, ready to even the series.
- Donovan Mitchell dazzled with 43 points, leaving the Pacers searching for solutions all night.
- Jared Allen and Max Strus fueled critical runs—Allen on the boards, Strus from beyond the arc.
- The Cavs bench came alive with 34 points, providing a spark anytime the starters rested.
- Myles Turner anchored Indiana with a big game, but couldn’t overcome Cleveland’s offensive variety.
Now, with the series at 2-1 in favor of Indiana, the narrative shifts. Cleveland has their full squad back, newfound confidence, and a playoff hero in Mitchell leading the way.
