INDIANAPOLIS — Donovan Mitchell delivered an impressive performance, scoring 35 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers, the top team in the NBA, achieved a 127-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday evening.
Darius Garland contributed significantly with 24 points, while Evan Mobley recorded a notable double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds for Cleveland.
On the Pacers’ side, Pascal Siakam led the team with 23 points, and Bennedict Mathurin added 19, but Indiana’s six-game winning streak came to an end. Myles Turner chipped in with 17 points as well.
The Cavaliers held a narrow 82-77 lead late in the third quarter before erupting on a 10-0 scoring spree. This surge included three-point shots from Max Strus, Georges Niang, and Mobley, allowing Cleveland to end the third period ahead 100-89.
Although the Pacers narrowed the gap to 111-106, they were unable to retract any further.
A turning point occurred when Mathurin, frustrated with the game, was ejected after receiving his second technical foul with 3:58 remaining in the game while Indiana was down 120-111. Mitchell capitalized on the situation, successfully converting both technical free throws, while Mobley added one of his two attempts from the charity stripe.
Notably, the Pacers recently halted the Cavaliers’ 12-game winning streak with a 108-93 victory just days prior.
The Pacers felt the absence of All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was out due to a left groin strain. His substitute, Ben Sheppard, had a tough outing, finishing with only two assists and shooting just 1 for 6 from the floor.
In terms of game-changing moments, after the Pacers pulled within 115-109, Garland hit an impressive 27-foot three-pointer, extending Cleveland’s lead to 118-109 with 4:48 still on the clock.
Looking at the statistics, the Cavaliers hit 26 out of 31 free throws, significantly outpacing the Pacers, who converted 17 of their 22 attempts. Both teams exhibited balanced shooting, finishing at 48% from the field.
As for what lies ahead, the Cavaliers will be heading to Oklahoma City on Thursday, where they will face off against the leaders from the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Pacers will travel to Detroit on the same night.
