Cleveland, who was directed by 2-0 by Indiana in the semifinals of the conference, straightened the bar on Friday thanks to a crucial victory 126-104 among the Pacers, while in the West Denver resumed the advantage in his series against Oklahoma City (2-1), which collapsed in extra time (113-104).
Cleveland, who had finished first in the regular season in the east, returned to the wall after losing the first two games at home. Without return after three input losses that have never been made in the NBA, the victory was essential. Mitchell, whose 48 points in the second game had not been enough to repel the return of the Pacers, was again exceptional, with 43 points, nine rebounds, five assists and one interception. After LeBron James, he became the second player in the history of the franchise in chaining two games in more than 40 points in the play-offs. “It’s hard to overcome a team of …