2025 NBA Playoffs Cavaliers vs Pacers Game 3 Result – Donovan Mitchell’s Masterclass Powers Cavs, Tyrese Haliburton Goes Cold In Game 3

The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally won a game in the semi-finals’ series. Their comeback which was led by Donovan Mitchell inspired a blowout performance from the whole side. As a result of that, the Cavaliers vs Pacers NBA Playoffs 2025 series is 2-1 but still in the favor of the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers had the best chance to crush out the Cleveland Cavaliers from getting back again in the series. However, that job remains unfinished. The Cavaliers started the game three on a strong foot, hitting accurately early. The Pacers rallied at the end of the first quarter to make it 32 all.

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Despite the momentum being on the home side, the Pacers allowed the Cavaliers to dominate the paint, giving up easy baskets and second-chance points. The Indiana Pacers managed to score just 13 points while their counterparts scored 34 taking a huge lead. There was a lot of inconsistency from the home side going into each of the quarters.

The third quarter did give a small hope to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena, with the lead being reduced to 12 points. The Indiana Pacers have been known to turn up their intensity in the fourth quarter, so an expectation regarding another comeback was on the cards. But the Cavaliers came prepared for it, this time.

Cleveland Punishes Indiana’s Mid-Game Collapse

Cleveland Cavaliers unlike the last two games didn’t let the fourth quarter overwhelm them. Donovan Mitchell and co. held to their game plan by driving to the paint, taking lesser risks, thereby also reducing the turnovers. Indiana Pacers who were equally playing fine basketball didn’t get the room for a comeback.

Despite a good fourth quarter again, the deficit that the Pacers inherited from the second quarter was just too big. This led to a 126-104 loss for the home side, and the Cavaliers vs Pacers series stands at 2-1. Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points and took 9 rebounds. Evan Mobley’s defensive performance was a game changer as he collected 13 rebounds and scored 18 points.

On the other side, Tyrese Haliburton struggled to find rhythm, scoring just 4 points on a cold shooting night. Aaron Nesmith (7), Andrew Nembhard (10). The offensive let the home side down. However, Indiana Pacers still have the room to make things right given their away court performances.