INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers got a big boost on Friday night as star defender Evan Mobley and All-Star guard Darius Garland returned to the starting lineup. Backup player De’Andre Hunter was also back after missing Game 2 due to a thumb injury.
The announcement came just 30 minutes before Game 3 started in Indianapolis. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 126-104, cutting Indiana’s lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series to 2-1.
Mobley had missed Game 2 with a sprained left ankle, and Garland had been out for four playoff games due to a toe injury on his left foot.
Before the game, Coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t say whether any of them would have limited playing time, though he seemed most concerned about Garland due to his long absence.
Mobley played well, scoring 18 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and adding four assists, three steals, and three blocks. Garland scored 10 points in 25 minutes, while Hunter came off the bench to contribute 8 points and 5 rebounds.
Earlier in the series, Indiana took advantage of Cleveland’s injuries, using their strong bench to win Game 1 and making a dramatic comeback in Game 2 with a last-second 3-pointer from Tyrese Haliburton.