Going into Game 3, the Cleveland Cavaliers were uncertain. Three players were being listed as questionable because of injury. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter had all sat out Game 2. Without them, Cleveland struggled and lost steam. The Pacers grabbed a 2-0 series lead.
On Friday, all that changed overnight. All three were back in the lineup for Game 3. Their return propelled the Cavaliers to overwhelm the Pacers 126-104. It was a win or go home scenario for Cleveland. Their season was riding on it. They came back with energy, grit, and urgency.
Darius Garland Returns From Toe Injury
Garland had been out since April 23. He sprained his left toe during the first round. Game 3 was when he returned to the playoffs. He was put back in the starting five. Garland played 25 minutes and scored 10 points. It wasn’t his best-scoring night, but it counted. His presence steadied the offense and created spacing.
He also provided leadership and ball-handling. Garland had averaged seven assists and 24 points prior to the injury. His shooting percentage was impressive and it was 51% overall and 41% from three. Even at less than max capacity, he had an effect. His teammate Donovan Mitchell commended his effort. “Twenty percent of you is all we need,” Mitchell said.
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Evan Mobley Makes a Statement
Evan Mobley’s comeback was gigantic for Cleveland Cavaliers. The Defensive Player of the Year demonstrated no rustiness. He was excellent as he put up 18 points. He had 13 rebounds, followed by 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals. His multi-faceted game pumped up the Cavs. He controlled both sides of the court.
Mobley sprained his left ankle in Game 1. The sprain occurred following contact with Myles Turner. He came down awkwardly off a jump shot. No foul was called on the play. Coach Kenny Atkinson thought that the contact was unnecessary. But Mobley did not complain—he returned and produced.
Rick Carlisle, the Pacers’ coach, noticed. “It’s like bringing Hakeem Olajuwon back,” Carlisle said. That’s a strong compliment from a playoff rival. Mobley turned the game around with his defense and rebounding.
De’Andre Hunter Contributes Off the Bench
Hunter also came back after sitting out Game 2. He had sprained his right thumb during Game 1. The sprain resulted from a blocked layup attempt. Similar to Mobley’s injury, no foul was committed. Yet Hunter fought through and contributed quality minutes.
He scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds off the bench. His presence gave the Cavs extra depth. His defense and effort helped contain Indiana’s wing players. It was a solid contribution in limited minutes.
Coach Atkinson Praises His Players’ Grit
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson was impressed. He acknowledged all three players were hurting. They all went through pregame workouts to test injuries. They made a last-minute push to be available. “You’re banged up, you’re hurting. it was now or never,” Atkinson said.
Their hard work bore fruit. Cleveland reduced the series deficit to 2-1. Now the team will hope to bounce back soon. Game 4 is nearby, and rest is short. But having three key players back is a huge relief.
Game 2 Collapse Fueled Their Return
The Cavs’ collapse in Game 2 still lingers. They lost a 20-point advantage and lost it late. Seven points were scored by Indiana during the last 50 seconds. That loss had Cleveland in desperation mode. Urgency and pride fueled Friday’s victory.
All three players were listed as questionable prior to Game 3. Earlier Friday, they attended shootaround for the first time. That in itself indicated positive progress. By tipoff, they were cleared to play, and made their presence felt.
Looking Ahead
Garland, Mobley, and Hunter returned and it gave the team a glimmer of hope. The team played more crisply and confidently. The Pacers are still up in the series. Game 4 will be an honest test of both teams.
Cleveland Cavaliers requires its stars to remain healthy. The recovery is quick, and the stakes are high. But with the return of the trio, they are back in the mix. And in the playoffs, that’s all it takes.
