The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers 127-117 in an electrifying NBA clash on Tuesday night.
Donovan Mitchell showcased his All-Star talent, scoring 35 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead the Cavaliers.
The victory was sweet revenge for Cleveland, who had suffered a loss to the Pacers just two days earlier.
Mitchell Shines Bright
Mitchell’s performance was a masterclass. He dominated throughout the game, especially during the critical moments when the Pacers attempted a comeback.
Darius Garland added 24 points and seven assists, while Evan Mobley contributed a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Jarrett Allen chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds, giving Cleveland a solid edge in the paint.
Pacers Fall Short
The Pacers, who entered the game on a six-game winning streak, struggled to maintain their momentum.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23 points, and Bennedict Mathurin added 19 points before being ejected late in the game for arguing with officials.
Myles Turner also contributed 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to match the Cavaliers’ offensive firepower.
Indiana sorely missed All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was sidelined with a groin strain.
His absence left a void in playmaking, as his replacement, Ben Sheppard, managed just two assists and scored only two points.
Key Moments
The game was close in the first half, with Cleveland holding a slim 62-61 lead at halftime.
The Pacers fought hard in the third quarter, but Cleveland went on a crucial 10-0 run that included back-to-back three-pointers by Max Strus, Georges Niang, and Mobley.
The Cavaliers led 100-89 heading into the final quarter, but Indiana didn’t go down without a fight.
The Pacers cut the deficit to 111-106 with under seven minutes left. However, Garland’s clutch three-pointer and a series of free throws sealed the victory for Cleveland.
A heated moment occurred with 3:58 remaining when Mathurin was ejected after picking up his second technical foul.
The Cavaliers capitalized on the incident, extending their lead and putting the game out of reach.
Dominance on the Boards
Cleveland dominated the boards, out-rebounding Indiana 49-37.
Mobley’s strong presence in the paint and the team’s defensive adjustments were critical in limiting Siakam to just two points in the second half.
Both teams shot 48% from the field, but the Cavaliers’ accuracy at the free-throw line made a difference.
Cleveland converted 26 of their 31 attempts, while Indiana managed only 17 of 22.
Looking Ahead
The win improves Cleveland’s record to an NBA-best 34-5, reaffirming their dominance this season.
They will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in a highly anticipated East vs. West clash.
The Pacers, now 22-19, will look to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
With Haliburton’s return uncertain, Indiana will need to regroup and find their rhythm.
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