Pacers’ 6-game streak shattered in a thrilling battle with the NBA-leading Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, currently leading the NBA, ended the Indiana Pacers’ impressive six-game winning streak with a 127-117 victory on Tuesday night. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 35 points, helping the Cavaliers bounce back after their first loss since December 8.
Standout Performances
Darius Garland contributed 24 points, while Evan Mobley added a solid 22 points and 13 rebounds. The Cavaliers dominated the rebounding battle, securing a 49-37 edge, and successfully shut down the Pacers in the second half.
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam scored 23 points, while Bennedict Mathurin chipped in 19 points. Myles Turner added 17 points, but Indiana struggled without their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was sidelined with a left groin strain. Haliburton’s absence was notably felt, as his replacement, Ben Sheppard, struggled with just two assists and a shooting performance of 1-for-6.
Key Moments in the Game
The game remained close early, with the Cavaliers holding a 82-77 lead in the third quarter. However, Cleveland seized control with a 10-0 run that included timely 3-pointers from Max Strus, Georges Niang, and Mobley. The Cavaliers led 100-89 by the end of the third period.
Indiana fought back and narrowed the gap to 111-106, but could not get any closer. With 3:58 left in the game and the Pacers trailing 120-111, Mathurin was ejected after receiving his second technical foul. Mitchell capitalized by hitting both technical free throws, and Mobley added one of his own, extending the Cavaliers’ lead.
The Pacers’ Struggles Without Haliburton
Indiana missed Haliburton’s playmaking and scoring ability throughout the game. His absence left a significant gap in the Pacers’ offense, and the team struggled to generate effective offense in his stead. Sheppard, filling in for Haliburton, had limited impact with just two assists and poor shooting performance, further highlighting the challenge of playing without their All-Star guard.
Cleveland’s Resilience
After their first loss in nearly a month, the Cavaliers showed resilience by out-rebounding Indiana and limiting Siakam’s impact in the second half. Siakam, who had been a key scorer for the Pacers, was held to just two points on 5 shots after the break, which played a crucial role in Cleveland’s victory.
Key Takeaways:
– Cavaliers: Cleveland regained their momentum, overcoming their first loss since December 8 with a dominant performance in the paint and on the boards. They effectively shut down Siakam in the second half, limiting him to minimal production.
– Pacers: Indiana’s struggles without Haliburton were evident, especially in their playmaking and shooting. Sheppard’s inability to step up in Haliburton’s absence left the Pacers without the offensive spark they needed to challenge Cleveland late in the game.
Final Stats
Both teams shot 48% from the field, but Cleveland’s free-throw shooting played a key role. The Cavaliers went 26-for-31 from the free-throw line, making nine more than Indiana, who finished 17-for-22. Garland’s clutch 27-foot three-pointer, with 4:48 left, extended Cleveland’s lead to 118-109, effectively sealing the win.
Despite the Pacers‘ spirited fight, the Cavaliers’ balanced offense and timely defense allowed them to end Indiana’s six-game win streak. With Mitchell’s 35 points and Mobley’s double-double, Cleveland displayed why they’re leading the NBA. Meanwhile, Indiana will need to regroup and adapt without Haliburton as they look to bounce back in their upcoming games.
