The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the struggling Indiana Pacers 120-116, heading them into its 13th straight loss to set a franchise record on Tuesday evening.
The Pacers are now a league-worst 6-31 and are one loss away from matching the Washington Wizards’ 14-game skid for the league’s longest loss streak this season.
Darius Garland dropped 29 points, fueling a late 13-point run, while Evan Mobley added 20, Jarrett Allen, and Sam Merrill each scored 19. Merrill went 6 of 10 on three-pointers.
The Cavs were shorthanded as head coach Kenny Atkinson gave All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell a day off just hours after team officials announced Max Strus was expected to miss at least another month because of a left foot injury.
Cleveland also lost forward Dean Wade in the first half with a bruised knee.
On the other hand, Pacers’ Pascal Siakam with 22 points, Jay Huff tied his season high with 20, going 7 of 10 from the field. Andrew Nembhard had 15 points and 11 assists.
The Pacers played without center Isaiah Jackson, swingman Benedict Mathruin, forward Obi Toppin, and All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton due to injuries.
Indiana still had a chance to force overtime in the waning seconds, but couldn’t tie the score as the game turned into a free-throw competition.
The loss also delayed coach Rick Carlisle’s 1000th win for two more days.
The Cavaliers will visit Minnesota, while the Pacers on Charlotte, both games on Thursday night.
