The Cleveland Cavaliers stormed back into playoff contention Friday night, overwhelming the Indiana Pacers 126-104 in a critical Game 3 showdown. Donovan Mitchell once again played the hero role, continuing his scorching offensive streak that has become the defining storyline of this Eastern Conference battle.

Donovan Mitchell had 43 points and nine rebounds, and the finally full-strength Cleveland Cavaliers beat Indiana 126-104 on Friday night to cut the Pacers' lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back on Friday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers by the final score of 126-104 in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series. Led by 43 points from Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers avoided falling into a disastrous 3-0 series hole and now trail 2-1.