Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, while Jarrett Allen dominated with 29 points and 13 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers (48-33) secured a playoff berth with a 129-120 win over the Indiana Pacers (46-35) on Friday night.
Indiana staged a late rally, pulling within 120-118, but Darius Garland’s clutch 3-pointer and an Isaac Okoro three-point play sealed the victory for the Cavaliers.
Despite Mitchell’s limited appearances due to injuries, the Cavaliers secured a top-four seed in the East and home-court advantage in the opening round.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 19 points and 12 assists, while Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner contributed 19 and 17 points, respectively.
With the postseason approaching, Indiana’s playoff fate hangs in the balance, with a potential matchup against the Atlanta Hawks looming.
The Pacers face a crucial showdown against Atlanta or a Philadelphia 76ers loss on Sunday to secure their playoff spot.
Indiana’s postseason seeding remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from fifth to eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
