Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup between the Pacers and Cavs tips-off tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers currently lead the series 2-1, following a dominant 126-104 victory by the Cavaliers in Game 3.

Game 3 Recap

After dropping the first two games at home, the Cavaliers bounced back emphatically in Game 3. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 43 points and nine rebounds, ensuring Cleveland avoided a 3-0 series deficit. The Cavaliers outscored the Pacers 34-13 in the second quarter, effectively ending the contest before halftime. Indiana struggled in three key areas: preventing offensive rebounds, solving the Cavs' zone, and slowing down Mitchell.

The Mitchell aspect, though he was absolutely dominant, is something I can live with. As you can see above, it's not like the Cavs' offense was clicking on all cylinders. However, securing their misses and turning them into fast break points will be the deciding factor in the final 2-3 games of this series.

The zone clearly flummoxed the Pacers – putting Evan Mobley at the top of it is practically a cheat code with his ability to close massive amounts of space in a millisecond – but the Pacers also missed open shots. Thirty-percent from three is not going to cut it.

The final noteworthy event from Game 3 was the disappearance of Tyrese Haliburton. Even for a player that can often be accused of being passive, his lack of contribution in the last outing was shocking. He posted four points, five assists and zero rebounds on two-of-eight from the floor and zero-of-one from three. He also committed three turnovers.

Those numbers are so far below his averages that it screams outlier. If he doesn't show up again tonight, I'll spend more energy worrying about him.

But he better show up tonight. They all better. Because a loss gives Cleveland home-court advantage and all the momentum in the world in a series that turns into a best of three.

We've always said that the Pacers play their best with their backs against the wall, let's hope that rings true in Game 4.

Injuries

Everybody is playing.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 8:00 PM ET.

TV: TNT, MAX

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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