The Cleveland Cavaliers, boasting the NBA’s best record at 34-5, secured a 127-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, fueled by Donovan Mitchell’s stellar 35-point performance. The win allowed Cleveland to bounce back after Indiana had ended their 12-game winning streak just two nights prior.
Mitchell’s scoring outburst was supported by Darius Garland, who tallied 24 points, and Evan Mobley, who contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds. Cleveland’s dominance on the boards, with a 49-37 rebounding edge, proved crucial in their success.
Indiana, now 22-19, saw its six-game winning streak snapped despite Pascal Siakam scoring 23 points and Bennedict Mathurin adding 19. Myles Turner chipped in 17 points, but the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined with a left groin strain, was evident.
Mathurin’s ejection with 3:58 left, after picking up his second technical foul, sealed Indiana’s fate. Mitchell capitalized on the free throws, and Mobley’s steady play down the stretch ensured the Cavaliers’ victory.
Both teams shot 48% from the field, but Cleveland’s edge at the free-throw line made the difference. The Cavaliers converted 26 of 31 attempts compared to Indiana’s 17 of 22. Cleveland also locked down Siakam in the second half, limiting him to just two points.