Basketball is a game of runs, but sometimes it’s a game of survival. If you were watching the Eastern Conference Semifinals back in May 2025, you know exactly what I mean. The Cleveland Cavaliers were staring into the abyss. Down 2-0 in the series, heading into a hostile Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis—it felt like the lights were about to go out on a 64-win season.
Then Cavs vs Pacers Game 3 happened.
It wasn't just a win; it was a 126-104 demolition. Most people look at the final score and think, "Oh, Cleveland just woke up." But that's a surface-level take. Honestly, that game was a masterclass in desperation and tactical adjustments that nearly saved a season. It was the night Donovan Mitchell decided he wasn't going home without a fight, putting up 43 points in a performance that felt personal.
The Full-Strength Mirage
Going into this game, the big narrative was the return of the "Big Three" plus one. Cleveland had been a mess. They played Game 2 without Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter. Basically, they were a skeleton crew.
When Game 3 tipped off, they were finally whole.
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You’ve probably seen the stats: five players in double digits. But the real story was the defense. Cleveland utilized a zone defense that basically short-circuited the Pacers' high-octane offense. Tyrese Haliburton, who had been a maestro in the first two games, looked human. He finished with just four points. Four! In his first-ever career home playoff loss, he was held to five assists. The Cavs didn't just play better; they took away the Pacers' identity.
The physicality was off the charts. Players were sprawled on the floor every other possession. Mitchell took a nasty spill into the front-row seats. De'Andre Hunter was handing out hard shoulders like they were free samples. It was ugly, grit-and-grind basketball that Cleveland desperately needed to prove they weren't soft.
Why the 25-4 Run Changed Everything
The game was tied 36-36. It felt like another back-and-forth track meet. Then, Cleveland went on a 25-4 run that basically ended the contest before halftime.
How?
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- Rebounding Dominance: Cleveland finished with a 56-37 edge on the glass.
- Max Strus's Gravity: Strus didn't just score 20 points; his movement opened up lanes for Mitchell to slice through.
- The Bench Response: While Indiana usually wins the depth battle, Cleveland’s rotations were tighter and more disciplined.
Indiana tried to make a run in the fourth quarter. Pascal Siakam hit a three to cut the lead to 11 with about eight minutes left. The crowd was starting to get that "here we go again" energy. But Mitchell and Strus answered with back-to-back triples. Momentum killed. Game over.
The Lingering "What If"
Looking back from 2026, Game 3 feels like a bittersweet memory for Cavs fans. It was the only game they won in that series. While Game 3 showed what the team could be when healthy, the rest of the series showed how fragile that health was. Mitchell eventually suffered a left ankle injury in the very next game, and the Pacers took the series 4-1.
But for one night in Indianapolis, the Cavs looked like the best team in the world. They played a nearly perfect game of basketball.
Actionable Takeaways for the Next Matchup
If you're betting on or analyzing the next time these two face off—like their upcoming regular-season clash on April 5, 2026—keep these factors in mind:
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Watch the Rebound Margin
Cleveland wins when they control the boards. In their 2025-26 matchups, like the 135-119 win in December, the pattern held. If Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley aren't dominating the glass, the Pacers' transition game will eat them alive.
The Haliburton Factor
Indiana's offense lives and dies by Haliburton’s rhythm. If Cleveland can replicate that aggressive zone or force him into a scoring role rather than a facilitating one, they have the blueprint.
Health is a Skill
The biggest takeaway from the Game 3 saga is that "full strength" is a temporary state. Depth matters more than star power over a seven-game stretch. Indiana's ability to stay healthy was ultimately why they reached the Eastern Conference Finals while Cleveland went home.
Keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to the April game. If Mitchell is 100%, Cleveland is a different beast. If not, expect the Pacers' depth to carry the day again.