Cavs Rally to Avoid Elimination with Thrilling Game 3 Win

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a must-win performance on Friday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-116 in Game 3 of their playoff series. With their backs against the wall, down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series, the Cavs needed a victory to keep their championship hopes alive.

Throughout the game, star player Donovan Mitchell shined, scoring an impressive 48 points while adding nine assists and five rebounds. “He was masterful the way he controlled the game,” said Cavs Coach Kenny Atkinson. The team was also bolstered by Max Strus, who contributed 23 points and led the defense against Indiana’s offense.

The Cavs started strong, taking an early 25-10 lead. However, the Pacers surged back to tie the game at 32-32 by the end of the first quarter, igniting the local crowd. Atkinson’s strategic adjustments, especially introducing a zone defense, helped the Cavs regain control and outscore Indiana 34-13 in the second period.

Despite missing key players, including All-Star Darius Garland (toe injury) and Evan Mobley (ankle), the Cavs showed resilience. Strus noted, “We rallied together, and it was a team effort.” The challenge wasn’t only physical; Atkinson highlighted the importance of mental toughness, emphasizing their need to bounce back from a previous loss.

One of the pivotal moments occurred in the last minute of the game when the Cavs allowed the Pacers to grab offensive rebounds during crucial free-throw attempts. “We just ran out of gas,” said Atkinson regarding his team’s performance in the final stretch. However, their ability to recover after trailing showcased their determination.

With this victory, the Cavs focus now turns to Game 4, where they must continue to fight momentum against a determined Pacers team. The win is not just a relief but a renewed belief that they’re capable of winning the series. “Our spirit was great,” Atkinson said, smiling at the potential ahead.