And one! The riders succeeded in the first stage of their rescue mission in Indianapolis by going to seek Game 3 on the Pacers prosecution. Always so hot, Donovan Mitchell was able to count on a slew of lieutenants this time to keep Indiana out of harm, until the end this time.
Cleveland attacked strongly by passing an entry 11-0 with two 3-point baskets from Max Strus, who then left it to Donovan Mitchell and the Revenant Darius Garland to take over to bring the brand to 23-8 after two new arrows from afar. Ready to ignite at the slightest spark, Indiana then succeeded in the feat of returning equally at the end of the first quarter, with fast game, 2/2 far from Benédict Mathurin to complete a 10-0 (20-25), then the external shots of the Nembhard-Sheppard pair to equalize at 32-32.
A series match
While we could fear the worst for the leader of the regular season in the East, the Cavs managed to recreate a beautiful gap by passing a new 11-0 fed by a Garland-Mitchell-Allen trio found (38-53). Despite the 4th personal fault conceded by Darius Garland, Cleveland maintained the pressure this time by seating this time an 8-0 concluded by Max Strus, then thanks to the 3-point of Sam Merrill which allowed the men of Kenny Atkinson to return to the locker room at +21 (45-66)!
Indiana did not abdicate however, passing an 11-2 to return to -15 (65-80) before eating a 2+1 of Donovan Mitchell then a 3-point of De'Andre Hunter in stride. There was then a 9-2 spent at the start of the fourth quarter by the McConnell-Siakam pair to bring the locals to -11 (104-93). Again, it was Donovan Mitchell who answered, and in what way, scoring 13 of the 16 points of his team, with an assist as a bonus for the 3-point of Max Strus (96-120). “SPIDA” was then able to join the bench with the feeling of accomplished duty. Winner 126-104, Cleveland is still alive, and will send the series in Ohio, whatever happens in Game 4.
What to remember
The second quarter. It was at this time that the threat was the most present, when Indiana had just returned 15 points apart and the Gainbridge Fieldhouse was starting to go up to temperature. Paradoxically, it was at this moment that Cleveland delivered its best quarter of the series, with in particular a 19-2 which allowed the Ohio franchise to switch to +21 at the break after having dominated for 12 minutes for a without appeal score: 34 to 13!
Donovan Mitchell always so boiling. Another huge match on his part! Rather skillful from afar (5/13), the Cavs leader also gave his person by regularly going to rub against the opposing interiors, successfully. The fatal weapon ended with 43 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and the re -inflated morale before attacking the game 4. His new big performance also decided with the no match of Tyrese Haliburton, limited to 4 points (2/8 in shooting) and 5 assists.
The release of Myles Turner. He had been one of the only ones to hold the shock while the Mobley-Allen pair dominated two sides of the prosecution in the painting. Myles Turner's exit on injury clearly did not arrang the business of the Pacers who already pointed out at -20. The interior of the pacers got their feet in with Aaron Nesmith was found on the ground, holding his right ankle. Even if he came into play quickly enough, his case will be monitored for the future.
The return of Darius Garland. If it has not been at its best level, the return of the leader in the CAVS major five is a very positive signal of the series. Above all, Darius Garland did not (almost) did not seem embarrassed by his toe injury, and this is the most important. The returns of De'Andre Hunter (8 points) and especially of Evan Mobley (18 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 interceptions, 3 counters) were also beneficial to the team, like the 18 offensive rebounds swallowed by the Cavs including 5 for the Mobley alone.
How to read the stats? Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; O = offensive rebound; D = defensive rebound; T = total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; +/- = Differential points when the player is on the field; Pts = points; EVAL: evaluation of the player calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
