Mitchell fires Cavaliers past Pacers, Nuggets outlast Thunder in overtime
Donovan Mitchell poured in 43 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers 126–104 on Friday to stay alive in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Cleveland now trails the best-of-seven series 2–1 after dropping the opening two games at home.
Mitchell, who had 48 points in a losing effort in Game 2, also contributed nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal. “It’s hard to blow a team out by 20 in their place,” Mitchell said. “We let one slip away at home in a similar fashion, so for me, couldn’t let it happen again.”
The Cavaliers welcomed back All-Star guard Darius Garland, Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, and key reserve De’Andre Hunter. Garland, returning from a sprained toe, scored 10 points. Mobley posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, and also tallied three blocks and three steals, helping to limit Tyrese Haliburton to just four points.
Cleveland opened with an 11–0 run and never trailed. Though the Pacers tied it at 32 early in the second quarter, the Cavaliers pulled away again for a 66–45 halftime lead. Bennedict Mathurin paced Indiana with 23 points off the bench.
Meanwhile, in Denver, Jamal Murray scored 27 points and Aaron Gordon added 22 as the Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 113–104 in overtime to take a 2–1 series lead.
“They’re a great team. They tested us all night and we were able to stick with it,” said Murray. “So it was a good team win.”
Game 4 in both series is set for Sunday.
(Source: AFP)
