A beastly Donovan Mitchell silences Indiana and puts the Cavaliers in the series

The Cleveland Cavaliers achieved their first victory in the Eastern Conference semi-finals by defeating the Indiana Pacers 126-104 in the third game of the series, with a brilliant performance by Donovan Mitchell who scored 43 points, and the return of several key players who were absent in the second game. Regrettable performance by Tyrese Haliburton.

Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter returned after missing the second game due to injury, and their presence was immediately felt. Garland scored 10 points in 25 minutes, Mobley contributed 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks, while Hunter added eight points and five rebounds off the bench. Their comeback, along with Mitchell's outstanding performance, propelled the Cavaliers to a 2-1 lead in the series, with the fourth game scheduled for Sunday in Indianapolis.

Cleveland benefited from having their full starting lineup back. In the 14 minutes that Garland, Mitchell, Max Strus, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen shared the floor, the Cavaliers outscored their opponents by 27 points, according to ESPN Research data. Coach Kenny Atkinson didn't know until less than an hour before the game whether he would have his three injured players, but given the situation with the series at 0-2, they took the risk. "It was now or never," Atkinson said. "They were banged up, but they showed a lot of strength."

Garland played his first game since April 23 due to a left toe injury, and although not at 100%, his mere presence freed up Mitchell in leading the offense. "I told him that even at 20 or 30%, that's all we need," Mitchell said. "He's fighting and giving his all. I have a lot of respect for him."

Mitchell recorded his second consecutive game with over 40 points, prompting Atkinson to declare it his best performance of the season. "It was masterful," the coach said. "I don't use that word often. He controlled the game: passed well, made good decisions, and defended. For me, the best performance of the year."

Mobley, recently named Defensive Player of the Year, also excelled on both ends of the court. He explained that he couldn't put weight on his left ankle before the second game and was even wearing an orthopedic boot until a few days ago. "I wanted to play that game, but it was impossible," he said. "After that loss, I wanted to come back as soon as possible. We took it day by day, and in the end, I was ready."

Hunter also made a contribution off the bench after overcoming a right thumb injury and, along with Strus and Mobley, contributed to a solid defense that limited Tyrese Haliburton to just four points, with a 2 of 8 shooting performance, five assists, and three turnovers.

With the team complete for the first time in this round, Atkinson pointed out that the Cavaliers resembled the squad that won 64 games in the regular season. However, Mitchell urged caution. "We haven't done anything yet," he said. "We won one game. We have to do it again. That's my message. We're not celebrating or smiling. We came to win two, and we've only got one."

"We know the next one will be the toughest game of the series," he concluded. "So we have to appreciate what we've achieved but keep moving forward."

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