INDIANAPOLIS — In a remarkable display of dominance, the Indiana Pacers achieved a significant milestone in NBA playoff history by securing a 41-point lead by halftime during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers, demonstrating prowess on their home court, matched an NBA playoff record previously set by the Cavaliers themselves during Game 2 of the 2017 conference finals against the Boston Celtics.
The impressive 80-39 halftime advantage was accomplished despite the ejection of one of Indiana’s notable scorers, Bennedict Mathurin, who was removed from the court less than eight minutes into the game due to a Flagrant 2 foul. This achievement also marks the 10th instance in NBA playoff history in which a team has scored 80 points in a half. Most recently, Oklahoma City scored 87 points in a half during Game 2 against Denver earlier in the same week.
Throughout the captivating first half, the Pacers executed an outstanding performance by shooting 60% from the field and sinking 12 of their 18 attempts from beyond the arc. Their tactical teamwork was further evidenced by 25 assists. In stark contrast, the Cavaliers struggled with their shooting, achieving only 25% from the field, complemented by a meager total of three assists, and only three players managing to make more than one basket.
The culmination of Indiana’s first-half success arrived when Aaron Nesmith sunk a mid-range jumper right as the buzzer sounded, securing the halftime record.
Following this victory, the Pacers have advanced to hold a 2-1 lead in the series, with anticipation building as the competition transitions to Cleveland for Game 5 on Tuesday.