As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for their pivotal Game 4 matchup against the Indiana Pacers this Sunday at 8 p.m., there's a renewed sense of optimism after the Cavs' impressive 126-104 victory in Game 3. Despite trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, Cleveland has gained momentum and a fighting spirit. Historically, no NBA team has ever overcome a 0-3 deficit to win a playoff series, making this matchup crucial for the Cavs.
In the postgame press conference, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle noted, “Cleveland played desperate.” This desperation translated into an emphatic start, as the Cavs jumped to an 11-0 lead, forcing Indiana fans to rally in an electrifying environment reminiscent of their home court. However, by the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 32-32, illustrating the fluctuating dynamics of the game.
The turning point came in the second quarter when Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson implemented a 3-2 zone defense. With 7-footer Evan Mobley anchoring the middle, the Cavs outscored the Pacers 34-13 in that quarter. Mobley, who had recently recovered from a sprained ankle, showcased his defensive prowess and versatility, leaving the Pacers confused and unable to execute their fast-paced offense. In the regular season, Indiana was known for its quick transitions, averaging just 4.5 seconds to cross half court, but in Game 3, they struggled significantly.
Carlisle acknowledged Mobley’s impact, saying, “He’s the Defensive Player of the Year... It was like bringing Hakeem Olajuwon to the Houston Rockets.” Mobley’s performance, highlighted by 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks, demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the league's elite defenders.
One of the game’s critical stats was the rebounding differential, with the Cavs dominating 56-37 overall and 18-4 on the offensive boards. Carlisle admitted that the loss was not a matter of officiating but rather a lack of presence and force from his team. This sentiment echoed throughout the Cavs’ strategy, as they displayed a sense of urgency and determination.
Donovan Mitchell was nothing short of sensational, scoring 43 points while contributing nine rebounds and five assists. His ability to draw fouls resulted in him averaging nearly 15 free throws per game, showcasing his aggressive style of play. Mitchell’s scoring prowess was vital for the Cavs, especially considering he had struggled from beyond the arc in the earlier games.
Another notable adjustment by Atkinson was assigning Max Strus to shadow Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. Strus’ relentless defense limited Haliburton's impact, as the All-Star guard was held to just four points on 2-for-8 shooting. Carlisle recognized the need for better offensive setups to involve Haliburton more effectively moving forward.
As the Cavs prepare for Game 4, Mitchell emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, stating, “We haven’t done anything. We won one game... Understand the next one’s going to be the hardest game of the series.” With the series shifting to Indiana, the stakes are higher than ever, and the Cavs will need to replicate their Game 3 performance to even the series.
Carlisle aptly remarked, “Playoff series are long, lots of ups and downs, lots of new storylines every game.” As the Cavs look to build on their recent success, fans are eager to see if this newfound momentum can lead to a series equalizer against the Pacers.
