Donovan Mitchell poured in 32 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 120-109 victory over the injury-depleted Indiana Pacers on Friday at Rocket Arena. Darius Garland returned from a left big toe contusion to contribute 20 points, helping Cleveland improve to 11-6 overall and 2-1 in East Group A.
Evan Mobley posted a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Jaylon Tyson added 14 points, including eight during a 21-9 third-quarter run that gave the Cavaliers a commanding lead. Mitchell hit four three-pointers in the pivotal third quarter, stretching Cleveland’s advantage to 16 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Indiana, missing six players, was led by Andrew Nembhard, who scored a career-high 32 points, and Pascal Siakham added 26 points and nine rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin chipped in 21 points, but the Pacers struggled to contain Cleveland’s scoring onslaught.
Cleveland led 62-55 at halftime before asserting control in the third quarter, with Mitchell’s pull-up three early in the fourth extending the lead to 103-81. Indiana made a late 16-4 run to narrow the gap to 10 with five minutes remaining, but the Cavaliers held firm down the stretch.
Garland’s efficient return included 5-of-12 shooting, three triples, and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line in 26 minutes. Mobley’s presence in the paint and defensive rebounds proved vital as Cleveland out-rebounded the Pacers 52-43.
The victory marks Cleveland’s ninth in 15 games this season in which Mitchell has scored 30 or more points, reinforcing his role as the team’s primary offensive catalyst. Indiana, now 2-14, has dropped nine of its last 10 and faces a daunting road ahead in group play.
The Cavaliers will host the LA Clippers on Sunday, while the Pacers return home to face Detroit on Monday, seeking to regain footing despite their depleted roster.
