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The Cleveland Cavaliers seized a crucial victory in Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers, leveling the series 1-1 and injecting new life into their playoff hopes. With a dominant performance fueled by a healthy roster, the Cavaliers left no doubt about their intent, securing a decisive win that shifts the momentum.

A Tale of Two Teams: The Pacers, visibly struggling with key absences and inconsistent play, found themselves unable to keep pace with the Cavaliers’ intensity. Cleveland’s balanced attack, spearheaded by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, proved too much for Indiana to handle. While the Pacers showed flashes of their regular-season brilliance, they ultimately couldn't overcome the Cavaliers' superior execution and defensive pressure.

Cleveland's Offensive Firepower: The Cavaliers' offense was firing on all cylinders, showcasing their versatility and creating scoring opportunities from various angles. Mitchell’s aggressive drives to the basket and Garland’s crafty playmaking kept the Pacers' defense constantly on edge. The Cavaliers also benefited from strong contributions from their supporting cast, with Evan Mobley providing crucial rim protection and Jarrett Allen dominating the boards.

Pacers' Struggles and What Needs to Change: Indiana's struggles were evident throughout the game. Their shooting was inconsistent, and they struggled to contain Cleveland’s dynamic backcourt. The absence of key players certainly played a role, but the Pacers need to find a way to elevate their overall performance, particularly on the defensive end. Coach Carlisle will need to make adjustments to his strategy and find ways to generate more consistent scoring options.

Series Outlook: While the Cavaliers’ Game 3 victory was impressive, the series is far from over. The Pacers have the talent and experience to bounce back, especially if they can address their shooting woes and find a way to limit Cleveland's offensive threats. The next two games in Indiana will be pivotal, and the outcome will likely determine the series' trajectory. Expect a fierce battle as both teams fight for playoff survival. The Cavaliers have proven they can win, but consistency will be key moving forward. The Pacers must find their rhythm and rediscover the form that propelled them to the playoffs.