Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Full Match Highlights and Recap: Cavaliers Dominate Game 3 with Healthy Lineup, Crush Pacers 126-104

Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Full Match Highlights and Recap: The Cleveland Cavaliers returned to form in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, putting together a dominant performance to defeat the Indiana Pacers 126-104.

With their starting lineup fully healthy and clicking on all cylinders, Cleveland made a clear statement that the series is far from over.

Led by Donovan Mitchell’s explosive 43-point outing, the Cavaliers overwhelmed the Pacers in every phase — particularly on the boards, where they held a massive 56-37 advantage. Cleveland’s physicality and energy proved too much for Indiana, who struggled to find rhythm offensively and allowed second-chance points to pile up.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

1st Quarter

The Cavaliers came out strong, grabbing an early lead behind Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell. Indiana opened cold, going over five minutes without a field goal. Despite falling behind by double digits, the Pacers rallied late in the quarter with a Ben Sheppard three at the buzzer to tie it at 32.

2nd Quarter

Cleveland took complete control in the second frame, outscoring Indiana 34-13. The Cavaliers dominated the glass and punished Indiana with second-chance points. Mitchell began heating up, and Jarrett Allen provided a strong inside presence. By halftime, the Cavs held a commanding 66-45 lead.

3rd Quarter

The Cavaliers maintained their dominance, pushing the lead to over 20 points. Frustration boiled over for the Pacers, who were hit with multiple technical fouls, including one on head coach Rick Carlisle. Myles Turner briefly exited with an ankle tweak, and although Indiana made minor pushes, Cleveland’s control never wavered.

4th Quarter

T.J. McConnell sparked some life into the Pacers with high-energy play, trimming the lead to 11 at one point. However, Mitchell responded with a scoring flurry to snuff out any hopes of a comeback. Cleveland closed the game out comfortably, sealing a much-needed win to stay alive in the series.

Key Highlights from Game 3

Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 43 points and 9 rebounds.

Cleveland’s starting five outscored Indiana’s starters 111-54.

Rebounding edge: Cavaliers 56, Pacers 37 (including 18-4 on offensive boards).

Max Strus added 20 points, Jarrett Allen had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Evan Mobley tallied 18 points and 13 boards.

Indiana struggled from beyond the arc, going just 9-of-30.

Bennedict Mathurin paced the Pacers with 23 points, Pascal Siakam had 18, but Tyrese Haliburton was limited to 4 points.

A Statement Win for Cleveland

This was the kind of performance Cleveland had been waiting for. Fully healthy and energized, the Cavaliers finally showed their true potential in this series. Their effort on the boards, defensive focus, and execution in the half-court set them apart in Game 3. Mitchell’s superstar showing was the driving force, but it was the collective dominance by the starters that made the difference.

Indiana, meanwhile, looked frustrated and out of sync. Their poor three-point shooting, combined with costly technical fouls and a lack of second-chance effort, left them unable to respond to Cleveland’s intensity.

What’s Next?

Despite the blowout, the Pacers still lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Game 4 shifts back to Indianapolis on Sunday night, where Indiana will try to regain control. For Cleveland, this momentum-shifting win could be the spark they need to even things up and turn the tide of the series.

Can the Pacers regroup at home, or will the Cavaliers ride the wave of confidence and tie the series? Game 4 is shaping up to be a pivotal clash in this tightly contested playoff battle.