Donovan Mitchell said Friday’s Game 3 win over the Indiana Pacers wasn’t a turning point — it was only a step.
After Cleveland’s 126-104 victory cut the series deficit to 2-1, Mitchell made it clear in his postgame comments that the Cavaliers aren’t satisfied with one road win.
“This was a must,” Mitchell said, referring to Friday’s game. “We let one slip at home, let the fans down at home, man, so we got to find a way to bounce back, and we did. But ultimately, all we did was win one game. We got to do it again on Sunday.”
The All-Star guard, who poured in 43 points on 14-of-29 shooting, delivered a critical sequence in the fourth quarter after the Pacers trimmed a 24-point deficit to 11.
Mitchell accounted for eight straight points — including a fadeaway jumper, a pull-up three, and an assist to Max Strus — in what he described as a response to Indiana’s surge.
“Understanding who they are, they’re not a team that’s going to fold easily,” Mitchell said. “For me, just trying to be aggressive and counter that run.”
Cleveland also benefited from the return of Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Dean Wade, who missed Game 2.
“You saw Evan Mobley on the— on the— blocking shots, on the glass… just his presence down there along with Ja,” Mitchell said. “And then DG being able just to at least— you know, obviously he’s banged up and he’s playing through stuff… And then Dre, you know, doing what he does — being in the right spots, knocking down timely shots.”
Mitchell highlighted the importance of rebounding and second-chance points, crediting Jarrett Allen and Mobley for dominating the offensive glass.
“When you get those extra possessions, it’s huge,” he said. “Against a team like that who likes to get out, you know, if you get those second possessions, it definitely is a game-changer.”
He also praised the defensive impact of Max Strus and Sam Merrill, who both contributed in a 3-2 zone that disrupted Indiana’s rhythm during foul trouble.
“Sam Merrill… he’s in that Max Court category — just a competitor,” Mitchell said. “He didn’t really shoot it well tonight, but he did so many positive things throughout the game.”
Despite the momentum shift, Mitchell stressed that pressure hasn’t eased.
“We got a job to do,” he said. “We got to keep our foot on the throttle and understand that they’re going to be just even more aggressive, even more physical next game.”
His final message to the team after the crucial run in the fourth quarter was simple: stay focused.
“We weathered their storm. Don’t let them counter that,” Mitchell said. “How do you respond to success? How do you respond to failure?”
Cleveland will look to even the series on Sunday in Indianapolis.
