Donovan Mitchell Leads Cavaliers to Victory Over Pacers, Cuts Series Deficit to 2-1

Donovan Mitchell put on a stellar performance, scoring 43 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 126-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The win cut the Pacers’ series lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The road team has won all three games in the series, with the Pacers having another chance to break that trend in Game 4. Cleveland, determined to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole, utilized all their resources, including making 14 3-pointers, dominating the boards with a 56-37 rebounding edge, and implementing zone defense to contain the Pacers’ offense. With key players Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter back in action, Mitchell received the support needed to secure the win. Max Strus contributed with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while other Cavaliers players also scored in double figures. The physical game saw players hitting the floor frequently, with tempers flaring at times resulting in technical fouls for the Pacers. Despite Indiana’s efforts to mount a comeback, Cleveland maintained control of the game, building a substantial lead and holding off any late rallies. Mitchell and Strus sealed the victory with crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. The series now stands at 2-1 in favor of the Pacers, with Game 4 set to be a crucial matchup for both teams.