Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers faced a tough loss in Game 3 of their second round playoff series against Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Cavaliers maintaining a double-digit lead for much of the contest. This game saw the unexpected insertion of veteran forward James Johnson into the lineup by Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, prompting a flurry of reactions on social media.
Johnson’s appearance came with just over five minutes left in the game, a time when the Cavs were leading 119-96. His entry was seen as a potential message from the Pacers, although he quickly made an impact by drawing an offensive foul for a hard screen on Cavaliers guard Max Strus. Moments later, he also caught Cavs big man Evan Mobley with a light elbow.
Previously, Johnson had played only 12 games this season, averaging a scant 3.1 minutes on the court. However, during this playoff game, he contributed three points, one rebound, one steal, and one foul in five minutes of play. Fans were quick to express their thoughts on social media about this surprising move by Carlisle.
The Pacers will look to rebound in Game 4, scheduled to take place on Sunday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 8 PM EST. Despite the loss, the team has the opportunity to adjust their strategy and come back stronger in the next matchup, showing resilience amid challenges.