Cleveland Cavaliers Rally With Key Returns To Beat Pacers 126-104, Cut Playoff Deficit

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, named NBA Coach of the Year, faces a critical challenge as his team recovers from a 0-2 deficit in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs won Game 3 decisively, 126-104, with key players Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter returning to the lineup, providing a significant boost in rebounding and scoring. Donovan Mitchell's standout performance, averaging over 40 points per game in the series, was pivotal in maintaining a lead that the team never relinquished. Atkinson has implemented strategic adjustments, including deploying a zone defense to counter the Pacers' inconsistent outside shooting and leveraging the size advantage of Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt. Despite Garland playing through pain from a toe injury, his presence alongside Mobley and Hunter has been essential to the Cavaliers' resurgence. The team's ability to sustain these contributions and continue adjustments will be crucial as the series moves forward in Indiana.