Cavaliers vs. Pacers: Cleveland Roars Back in Game 3 to Narrow Series Gap

Cleveland Cavaliers Turn Up the Heat in Game 3

If ever there was a moment the Cavaliers needed to show some fight, it was Friday night in Indianapolis. Down 0-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavs walked into Gainbridge Fieldhouse with their backs against the wall, just 1.5-point favorites according to the oddsmakers. By the time the final buzzer sounded, any pre-game uncertainty looked laughable. Cleveland had not just survived—they dominated, running away with a 126-104 win against the Indiana Pacers that injected new life into the series.

It didn’t take long to see things would be different in Game 3. The Cavaliers, coming off two disappointing losses, were aggressive from the opening tip. Ball movement was crisp, shooters looked locked in, and the bench brought an unexpected energy boost. By halftime, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a nail-biter. Cleveland was pushing the pace, driving hard to the paint, and forcing Indiana to scramble on defense. The Pacers, who’d looked so comfortable in Games 1 and 2, suddenly had no answers for the Cavs’ surging attack.

What Changed for Cleveland?

Some nights, the shots just fall. On this one, everything clicked for Cleveland. Their offense ran like a machine, routinely finding open looks and outmaneuvering Indiana’s perimeter defenders. Multiple Cavs players contributed double-digit points, and the team shot a collective percentage well above their playoff average. The high over/under line of 229.5, which many had pegged as a long shot, ended up looking conservative. Cleveland alone poured in 126 points, blowing past predictions and leaving the Pacers defense searching for answers.

On the other end, Indiana struggled to keep pace. Their offense looked out-of-sync, with missed assignments and reckless turnovers fueling Cleveland’s transition game. What had been Indiana’s strength—a rapid-fire scoring run—fizzled under Cleveland’s renewed focus and defensive pressure. The Pacers tried to rally in the third, but every push was met by a swift Cavs response.

As ESPN’s broadcast zoomed in on the high-octane action, analysts pointed out how critical this win was for Cleveland’s season. Dropping Game 3 would’ve put them one loss away from elimination. Instead, they’re back within one game, brimming with the confidence that only a blowout win can bring.

The series, still led by Indiana at 2-1, suddenly feels much more competitive. Game 4 now looms larger than ever, as fans wonder if the Cavs can bottle this energy for another run—or if the Pacers will regroup and swing the momentum back their way. The only guarantee? Nothing in this series is set in stone.