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NBA

Cleveland comes back against Indiana, Denver regains control over OKC

NBA - Donovan Mitchell shined with 43 points to revive Cleveland against Indiana, while Denver rediscovered its home court strength to beat Oklahoma City in overtime.
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Cleveland comes back against Indiana, Denver regains control over OKC
Photo Credit : NBA League pass

This Friday May 9, the NBA conference semifinals resumed with two crucial games. In Indianapolis, Donovan Mitchell carried the Cavaliers against the Pacers to avoid going down 0-3, while the Nuggets won an intense overtime battle against the Thunder to retake the series lead (2 wins to 1).

Unstoppable Mitchell, Cleveland breathes

Down 2-0 before Game 3, the Cavaliers knew their backs were against the wall. Thanks to a red-hot Donovan Mitchell (43 points, 9 rebounds), Cleveland dominated Indiana 126-104 on their home court. Despite a Pacers comeback early in the fourth quarter (104-93), Mitchell calmed the arena with a fadeaway, a pull-up 3-pointer and an assist to Max Strus from long range. The lead expanded again.

– 2nd round

Returning from injury, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter strengthened the defense, while Darius Garland helped energize the offense. Cleveland controlled the rebounds (56 to 37) and hit 14 three-pointers. Max Strus (20 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) also shined in a tense game where Indiana collected five technical fouls.

For the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin (23 points) was the standout performer, but Tyrese Haliburton struggled (4 points, 5 assists). Rick Carlisle acknowledged his responsibility: « I didn’t prepare my players properly. »

Denver rediscovers its DNA through adversity

At Ball Arena, the Denver Nuggets also weathered the storm before striking hard. After losing by 43 points in the previous game, they defeated Oklahoma City 113-104 in overtime, retaking the series lead (2-1).

– 2nd round

Jamal Murray (27 points), Aaron Gordon (22) and Michael Porter Jr., who played through shoulder pain but found inspiration (21 points), led the attack. Nikola Jokic had a difficult game (20 points on 8/25 shooting, 8 turnovers) but proved useful in overtime, starting with a layup.

The overtime period proved fatal for the Thunder, who failed to convert eight of their nine possessions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (18 points on 7/22 shooting) struggled against the Nuggets’ defense. Jalen Williams (32 points) carried OKC, but it wasn’t enough.

« These are the moments that forge great teams, » said Coach Mark Daigneault, clear-eyed about the demands of high-level competition.

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Image Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
Cleveland comes back against Indiana, Denver regains control over OKC