Cleveland Cavaliers Stars Return Provides Crucial Support For Donovan Mitchell In Playoff Win Against Pacers

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Donovan Mitchell expressed that the Cleveland Cavaliers' stars returning to action was crucial for their victory against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. After losing the first two games, the Cavs were at full strength in Game 3, securing a 126-104 win and narrowing the series gap to 2-1.

Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De'Andre Hunter returned from injuries after missing Game 2, providing Mitchell with much-needed support. Mitchell led Cleveland with 43 points and nine rebounds. He became just the third NBA player in 40 years to average over 40 points per game in the first three playoff games, joining Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

"It's great to have those guys back," Mitchell said. "They bring us a huge boost, bring me a huge boost. I go to war with these guys. I trust everybody in this locker room. And you saw it tonight, but ultimately, we got to do it again." He praised Garland's effort despite his injury: "I told [Garland], 20% of you, 30% of you is all what we need, man. He's fighting and gutting it out. A lot of respect for him."

The Cavaliers made an impressive 14 three-pointers and dominated the boards with a 56-37 rebounding advantage. Four other players scored in double figures following Mitchell's lead. They never trailed Indiana during the game, leading by as much as 26 points.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson was determined to avoid a 3-0 series deficit and felt his team rallied at a crucial moment to keep their hopes alive. "It was kind of now or never," Atkinson said. "You're banged up and you're hurting. They showed a lot of fortitude."

Atkinson praised Mitchell's performance: "I thought [Mitchell] was masterful. I don't use that word hardly ever. He was masterful in the way he controlled the game - passing, making the right decision, defending."

Garland's Return Amidst Challenges

Darius Garland made his first appearance since April 23 due to a sprained left toe that sidelined him for four playoff games. Despite playing through discomfort, Atkinson acknowledged Garland's contribution: "He's kind of taking one for the team here," Atkinson added about Garland's effort on Friday.

The Cavaliers maintained their lead late into the game even as Indiana reduced it to an 11-point margin early in the fourth quarter. The team's resilience has kept them competitive in this challenging series.