The Cleveland Cavaliers are down 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but Governor Dan Gilbert still has high hopes.
Cleveland had a rough outing in Game 4 on Sunday, getting taken down by the Indiana Pacers with a final score of 129-109. To add to the disappointment, star player Donovan Mitchell hurt his left ankle and couldn’t play in the second half.
Despite the tough loss, Cavaliers owner Gilbert is holding onto hope for the team’s future.
“Hey @cavs fans… yes it was an ugly one, but we’ve been here before. Time to get 3 in a row, 2 of them coming at home. Let’s start with Game 5 on Tuesday. #Believeland,” Gilbert tweeted.
Cavs governor Dan Gilbert believes his team will make another 3-1 comeback like the 2016 finals 😮
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 12, 2025
Can Cleveland do it again?! 🤔
(via @cavsdan) pic.twitter.com/2rP7mNGNF9
Looking ahead, Game 5 is set for this Tuesday in Cleveland, and the Cavs know they’ll need to step up their game. The Pacers have already won the first two games at Rocket Arena, making this an uphill battle for Cleveland.
Plus, with Donovan’s status still uncertain after his injury, there’s a cloud of doubt hanging over the team.
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However, the Cavaliers have been there a long time ago as Dan said. They had pulled off an incredible comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals after being down 3-1. But, unlike back then, they don’t have LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love on the roster anymore.
Though fans are definitely hoping for some magic, but not to be too optimistic as this is a different year than 2016.
Could The Cavaliers Pull Off A Comeback After Being Down 3-1?
While the Cavs might find solace in comparing their situation with their 2016 run, that’s a little more optimism.
Facing a 3-1 deficit is no small feat, especially considering how the Cavs triumphed over the 73-win Warriors back then.
Currently, the biggest concern is the ankle injury Donovan Mitchell suffered during Game 4. He was on a scoring tear, averaging an impressive 41.3 points per game in this series.
And his absence would significantly weaken the Cavaliers’ chances. Other key players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter are also dealing with injuries.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are your 2016 NBA Champions.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 20, 2016
With win, Cavs gets 1st-ever NBA title. pic.twitter.com/2jfoUfORXg
Despite their struggles, the Cavaliers still have a glimmer of hope. They have two more home games ahead and have proven they can win on the road.
If Mitchell can return to the floor, they could be favored in those upcoming games. There’s still a chance for this 64-win team from the regular season to shine. But they need to regain their focus, find other scoring options, and tighten up on defense.
If they can summon that magic from 2016, anything is possible. For now, it’s a tough road ahead, but hope isn’t lost just yet!
