The Cleveland Cavaliers kept their postseason hopes alive with a pivotal Game 3 win over the Indiana Pacers in the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, cutting the series deficit to 2–1 and injecting new life into their push for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. A major storyline from the night was the return of starting point guard Darius Garland, who addressed recent criticism of his play in his first game back from injury.
“It’s easy for people to talk, but y’all don’t understand what I’m going through,” Garland told Joe Vardon of The Athletic following Friday’s win. “Everybody has their opinions. I’m out there playing basketball. Everybody’s dealing with nicks and bruises this time of year. I’m just trying to go out and help us win this series.”
While Garland didn’t light up the box score—finishing with 10 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists—his presence alone provided a needed boost. The All-Star guard, considered Cleveland’s secondary star behind Donovan Mitchell, is expected to build momentum as the series continues.
Mobley anchors Cavs on both ends
If there was a defining moment that shifted the tone of the series, it came with Evan Mobley’s emphatic rejection of Tyrese Haliburton at the rim. That single defensive stand seemed to reignite the Cavaliers’ identity as a gritty, physical, defense-first team—and they never looked back.
Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers makes a move on Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals
Mobley, also returning from injury, delivered a standout performance with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. His impact went beyond the numbers. From defending the paint to facilitating offense, Mobley reminded everyone why he’s viewed as a foundational piece of the NBA franchise.
see also
Nuggets star Nikola Jokic makes tough admission on his performance after Game 3 against Oklahoma City Thunder
“He was incredible,” said Donovan Mitchell, who scored a game-high 43 points in another signature postseason showing. “You saw Evan blocking shots, scoring, being that presence down low with [Jarrett Allen]. It just makes everything easier for us.”
Atkinson: “Now or never”
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson echoed the urgency the team felt heading into Game 3.“Yeah, I guess you just get adrenaline going and, listen, those guys — we were down 2-0,” Atkinson said. “It was kind of now or never.”
With Garland and Mobley back in the lineup and Mitchell performing at an elite level, Cleveland suddenly looks like a team capable of pushing this series the distance.
