Breaking: Cavs on Fire, But Pacers Hold Strong as Hosts in NBA Playoffs Showdown; Thunder-Nuggets Game 3 Looms
🚨 NBA Playoff Showdown: Cavs Aim to Turn the Tide, Pacers Dig in; Thunder & Nuggets Face Game 3 Rematch
Cavs Eye First Win in Indiana, Pacers Stand Tall
The NBA playoffs are heating up with a captivating doubleheader tonight. First, the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-38) face the Indiana Pacers (46-36) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with ESPN live coverage. The Pacers have stolen a 2-0 lead, but the Cavaliers are determined to turn their fortunes around.
Cavs Make a Move
The Cavs are charging back, going on an 11-0 run to extend their lead to 13 midway through the first half. Donovan Mitchell is leading the way with 15 points, shooting at a impressive 50% rate. Mitchell’s efficient scoring has been a driving force for the Cavs.
Donovan Mitchell with the floater for 10 points… Cavs are on a 12-2 run over the last 4+ minutes!
Pacers Weather Early Storm
The Pacers, however, are no pushovers. They’ve come back from an 11-0 deficit to tie it up at 32 apiece. Myles Turner has been a significant factor with 12 first-quarter points, while Bennedict Mathurin has added eight off the bench, recording a +12 differential.
Ben Sheppard DRILLS a triple to tie the game at the end of the 1Q ‼️
🗣️ Key Player: Max Strus
The Cavaliers are off to a fiery start with an 11-0 run, led by Max Strus, who dropped eight points. Donovan Mitchell chipped in with five early points. The Cavs have a crucial lead, but the Pacers have shown resilience throughout the series.
Did you know?
Only four teams in NBA history have comeback from a 3-0 deficit to win a series. The Pacers will be looking to avoid joining this elusive group.
11-0 CAVS RUN TO START THE GAME ON ESPN 😤 Max Strus with a quick 8 points already!
📝 Lineups
Pacers
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Tyrese Haliburton |
| SG | Buddy Hield |
| SF | Bennedict Mathurin |
| PF | Jalen Smith |
| C | Myles Turner |
Cavaliers
The Cavaliers welcome back Darius Garland tonight, who missed the first two games with a toe injury.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Darius Garland |
| SG | Donovan Mitchell |
| SF | Jarrett Allen |
| PF | Evan Mobley |
| C | Andre Drummond |
⚡️ Tonight’s Action: Thunder vs Nuggets
Tonight’s second game sees the Oklahoma City Thunder (38-44) face the Denver Nuggets (53-29) at Ball Arena. ESPN will deliver the action from 10:00 ET.
Game 1 saw the Nuggets edge out a thrilling road win, while Game 2 was a blowout for the Thunder, who dropped 87 first-half points. What emerges tonight could set the tone for the rest of the series.
🤔 FAQ
-
Q: Who leads the Cavaliers in scoring this postseason?
A: Donovan Mitchell with 27.5 points per game. -
Q: How many 3-pointers have the Pacers made in the playoffs so far?
A: 54 (tying for the most in franchise playoff history). - Q: Who leads the Thunder in rebounds this postseason?
A: Aleksej Pokuševski, averaging 11.5 rebounds per game.
🌟 Call-to-Action
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