The NBA playoffs are heating up as the Cleveland Cavaliers face a crucial Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at 8 p.m. Cleveland’s recent victory, a commanding 126-104 win, has injected new life into the series, now trailing 2-1. With no team ever overcoming an 0-3 deficit in NBA history, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
- Cavs won Game 3, series now 2-1.
- Mobley excelled defensively, key to victory.
- Mitchell scored 43 points, crucial performance.
- Haliburton struggled, limited by Cavs' defense.
- Carlisle acknowledges playoff series' unpredictability.
- Cavs' zone defense confused Pacers significantly.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the Cavs’ desperate energy, which propelled them to an early 11-0 lead. The momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter when Cleveland’s 3-2 zone defense stifled Indiana, allowing the Cavs to outscore them 34-13. As the series unfolds, fans worldwide are eager to see if Cleveland can continue this momentum.
The Cavs’ resurgence raises questions about the Pacers’ ability to adapt. Will Indiana adjust their strategy to counter Cleveland’s effective zone defense? Key developments include:
- Evan Mobley’s defensive prowess, likened to Hakeem Olajuwon, dominating the paint.
- Donovan Mitchell’s scoring surge, averaging 41.3 points in the series.
- Indiana’s struggle to rebound, losing 56-37 on the boards.
- Tyrese Haliburton’s quiet performance, limited to just four points in Game 3.
Looking ahead, the Cavs will need to build on their momentum in Game 4 to level the series. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as both teams vie for supremacy in this pivotal matchup.
