Mon May 12 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Cavaliers’ Big Three Return Fuels Game 3 Victory Over Pacers

**INDIANAPOLIS** – The Cleveland Cavaliers stormed back into the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a decisive 126-104 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 on Friday night. The victory, which cuts the series deficit to 2-1, was fueled by the return of key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter, who had missed Game 2 due to injuries.

Donovan Mitchell led the scoring charge with 43 points, his second consecutive 40-plus point performance, praised by coach Kenny Atkinson as the best game of his season. Mitchell credited the return of his teammates, stating, “They bring us a huge boost… I go to war with these guys.”

Garland, playing through a sprained left toe, scored 10 points in 25 minutes, while Mobley, playing despite a sprained left ankle, contributed 18 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Hunter added 8 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. The Cavaliers’ starting five, including Garland, Mitchell, Max Strus, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, were a plus-27 in their 14 minutes on the court together.

Coach Atkinson emphasized the significance of having his full starting lineup, describing the team as “a different team” with the returning trio. He admitted to making a late-game call on their availability after a pre-game workout, acknowledging the “now or never” situation facing a 2-0 series deficit.

The Cavaliers’ improved defense, particularly the contributions of Mobley and Hunter, held Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton to a meager 4 points. The team’s performance, according to Atkinson, reflected the caliber of a top seed that won 64 regular season games.

Despite the impressive victory, both Mitchell and Atkinson cautioned against overconfidence. Mitchell stressed the importance of maintaining focus, emphasizing that winning one game is not enough. He stated, “We haven’t done anything. We won one game. We got to do it again.” The series continues with Game 4 on Sunday night in Indianapolis.

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