NBA playoffs: Cavs take ‘now or never’ Game 3 from Pacers as injured stars return

Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 126-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals on Friday. The win narrowed the Pacers’ series lead to 2-1.

So far, the visiting team has won all three games in the series. The Pacers will have an opportunity to change that pattern in Game 4 on Sunday.

Cleveland, determined to avoid a 3-0 deficit, utilized a variety of strategies, including making 14 three-pointers, dominating the rebounding battle 56-37, and employing zone defense to contain the Pacers’ offense. With key players like Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter back in action after missing Game 2, Mitchell received strong support from his teammates.

Max Strus contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, including four three-pointers. Several other Cavs players also scored in double figures. Despite the Pacers cutting the lead to 11 early in the fourth quarter, Cleveland maintained control throughout the game.

Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam added 18 points and Tyrese Haliburton had four points and five assists in his first career postseason loss at home.

In another game, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime to take a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference semi-finals. Jamal Murray scored 27 points, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 21 points, and Nikola Jokić posted a double-double with 20 points and 16 rebounds.

The game was tied at 102 after regulation, with both teams missing potential game-winners in the final seconds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with his shot, finishing with 18 points, while Jalen Williams led OKC with 32 points and Chet Holmgren added 18.

Game 4 between the Nuggets and Thunder is scheduled for Sunday at Ball Arena.