Cavs Rally Back: Mobley and Garland Shine as Cleveland Cuts Pacers’ Lead to 2-1 in Semifinals

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and All-Star guard Darius Garland rejoined the starting five for the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Key backup De’Andre Hunter was also available after being sidelined for Game 2 due to a sprained right thumb.

This update came approximately half an hour prior to the commencement of Game 3 in Indianapolis, where the Cavaliers defeated the Pacers decisively, 126-104. Indiana currently holds a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Mobley was absent for Tuesday’s Game 2 due to a sprained left ankle, while Garland had not participated in any of the Cavs’ last four playoff outings (including two against the Heat) because of a sprained big toe on his left foot.

Coach Kenny Atkinson did not disclose whether any of the three players would have restrictions on their playing time, though he appeared particularly concerned about Garland given the length of his absence.

Mobley finished the game with 18 points (6-of-13 shooting), 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks, while Garland contributed 10 points (3-of-11 shooting, 2-of-7 from three) in 25 minutes. Hunter chipped in with eight points and five rebounds coming off the bench.

The Pacers took advantage of the Cavaliers’ injuries in Game 1, utilizing their depth to pull away late, and they overcame a seven-point deficit in the final minute to win Game 3 on a 3-pointer by Tyrese Haliburton with just 1.1 seconds remaining.