NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers Clinch Game 3, Nuggets Edge Thunder in Overtime
Welcome to another thrilling night of NBA conference semifinals! We’re right in the heart of the best part of the season, where upsets can happen, and every game matters. Let’s dive into the key happenings from Tuesday’s action.
East’s Best: Cavaliers Bounce Back in Indianapolis
The Cleveland Cavaliers are now just a game behind the Indiana Pacers after a decisive 126-104 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Theiscus in the series is tied at two games apiece, heading back to Cleveland for Game 5.
“We dug ourselves a hole and we just couldn’t dig out,”
The Cavaliers were led by Donovan Mitchell, who dropped a game-high 43 points and snatched 9 rebounds. Mitchell’s dominance was evident in the second quarter, where Cleveland outscored the Pacers 34-13, effectively sealing the game. Behind the bench, Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin chipped in 23 points in a losing effort.
West’s Showstopper: Nuggets Outshine Thunder in Overtime
Out west, the Denver Nuggets clawed their way to a 113-104 overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Trailing most of the game, Denver mounted an incredible comeback, powered by four players scoring 20 or more points.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 27 points, followed by Porter Jr. (21), Aaron Gordon (22), and Jokic, who stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Gordon’s clutch three-pointer with 27 seconds left sent the game to overtime, where Denver dominated.
The Thunder were led by Jalen Williams’ 32 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Denver’s relentless attack. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein all recorded double-doubles in points and rebounds but fell short in the extra frame.
Results and Series Updates
- Eastern Conference Semifinals:
- Indiana Pacers – Cleveland Cavaliers: 104-126 (Series tied 2-2)
- Western Conference Semifinals:
- Denver Nuggets – Oklahoma City Thunder: 113-104 (Nuggets lead series 3-1)
FAQ
How many games have the Cavaliers won in the series?
2 games
What is the current lead in the Nuggets-Thunder series?
The Nuggets have a 3-1 lead.
Pro Tip: Don’t Miss a Minute of the Action!
Now that the playoffs are in full swing, make sure to set those DVRs and stream services to catch every thrilling moment. You never know when the next clutch shot or dominant performance will become an instant classic!
Stay tuned to 247Sports for all the latest news, analyses, and interviews as we march towards the NBA Finals!