Key Points Summary: Pacers Obliterate Cavaliers

• Historic Halftime Lead: Pacers led by 41 points at halftime, tying an NBA playoff record.
• Final Score: Indiana Pacers 129, Cleveland Cavaliers 109.
• Series Standing: Pacers lead the series 3-1.
• Pascal Siakam’s Performance: Scored 21 points with near-perfect shooting.
• Donovan Mitchell’s Injury: Exited at halftime due to a non-contact ankle injury.
• Game 5: Scheduled in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers face elimination.

Game Recap: Pacers Dominate with Unprecedented First Half

In a stunning display of dominance, the Indiana Pacers overwhelmed the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, securing a 129-109 victory. The Pacers’ 80-39 halftime lead matched the largest in NBA playoff history, a record previously set by the Cavaliers themselves in 2017. Indiana’s first-half performance was marked by exceptional shooting, hitting 60% from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc, coupled with 25 assists—a new NBA postseason record for assists in a half.

Siakam Leads Balanced Pacers Attack

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting, showcasing efficiency and leadership. Myles Turner and Obi Toppin contributed significantly, each adding 20 points. The Pacers’ offense was well-distributed, with Ben Sheppard scoring 14 points, T.J. McConnell adding 13, and Aaron Nesmith contributing 12. Indiana’s cohesive team play and strategic execution were evident throughout the game.

Cavaliers Struggle Amidst Mitchell’s Injury

The Cavaliers faced significant challenges, compounded by the loss of star guard Donovan Mitchell, who exited at halftime due to a non-contact left ankle injury. Mitchell had been a pivotal player in the series, averaging over 40 points per game prior to Game 4. His absence was felt as the Cavaliers struggled offensively, committing 22 turnovers and shooting only 25% from the field in the first half. Darius Garland led Cleveland with 21 points, but the team’s efforts fell short against the Pacers’ relentless performance.

Physical Play and Ejections

The game’s intensity escalated in the first quarter when Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul after an altercation with De’Andre Hunter. Despite Mathurin’s early exit, the Pacers maintained their composure and continued to dominate the game.

Looking Ahead: Game 5 in Cleveland

The series now shifts back to Cleveland for Game 5, where the Cavaliers face elimination. With Mitchell’s status uncertain, Cleveland will need to regroup and find a way to counter the Pacers’ momentum. Indiana, on the other hand, is poised to clinch the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year.

Pacers Obliterate Cavaliers

The Indiana Pacers’ commanding victory in Game 4 has put them in a favorable position. They are getting close to close out the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their historic first-half performance and balanced team effort underscore their determination. And capability as they aim for a deep playoff run. As the series continues, all eyes will be on Game 5. There to see if the Cavaliers can mount a comeback or if the Pacers will seal their place in the conference finals.