Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter will be available for Sunday evening.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Cleveland Cavaliers looked more like themselves in Game 3 when Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle), and De’Andre Hunter (hand) returned to the floor. Garland had been out since Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round series against the Miami Heat. Mobley and Hunter were both injured in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers and missed Game 2.
All three are expected to play again in Game 4. No Cavaliers appeared on the injury report ahead of Sunday’s pivotal matchup.
Mobley looked the best among the trio in his return during Game 3. He played well, contributing 18 points and 13 rebounds in the win, and appeared to have his normal athleticism.
“I really wanted to play the first one (Game 2), but definitely couldn’t,” Mobley said on Friday night. “But after that loss, I wanted to get back as soon as possible. Get out there. I was basically day-to-day, seeing how it felt. How quick I healed, I normally heal pretty quick.”
Garland didn’t quite look like himself, even though he was still incredibly helpful. His presence as a ball handler and extra threat opened up the offense and allowed Donovan Mitchell to not carry the entire scoring load.
There were stretches — particularly in the first half — where Garland looked like his normal self. But that didn’t last. He appeared to be laboring at times in the second half, which is understandable. This is an injury he’ll likely need to continue playing through for the remainder of the series.
“It’s the playoffs, everyone has to push through,” said Cavs veteran center Tristan Thompson when asked about Garland on Saturday afternoon. “I know DG better than anyone else. I know how much he wants this. I know how hungry he’s been since last summer till now. So you got to push through it.
“Everyone’s hurt. Everyone’s banged up. No one’s 100%. You just got to push through that shit and take advantange of those days off. Getting that recovery, getting that treatment to build back the bank and then you do your withdrawal when you get in the game.”
Garland, nor any of the Cavs’ regulars outside of Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro, participated in the voluntary practice on Saturday afternoon.
Game 4 is Sunday at 8 PM in Indianapolis.