The Indiana Pacers delivered a statement win on Sunday night, completely dismantling the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109 in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup. With this dominant performance, Indiana now holds a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Pacers Explode for Historic First Half
From the opening tip, it was clear the Pacers had come to play. Still stinging from a Game 3 loss, Indiana came out swinging and overwhelmed the Cavaliers with relentless energy, shooting, and hustle. By the time the first quarter ended, the Pacers were already up 38-23. Then came an explosive second period.
THIS PACERS FLURRY TO END THE 1ST HALF WAS CRAZY ‼️
80 PTS: franchise-postseason record for points in a half
25 AST: NBA-postseason record for assists in a half in the play-by-play era (1998) pic.twitter.com/bLZoxTuND0— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2025
Indiana erupted for a 17-0 run in the second quarter, turning a comfortable lead into a complete blowout. They closed the half with an astonishing 80-39 advantage — the most points the franchise has ever scored in a half during the playoffs. The Pacers knocked down 12 of their first 15 three-point attempts and shared the ball brilliantly. The Cavs, meanwhile, managed just eight made field goals in the entire first half.
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd was in full voice as Indiana turned the game into a celebration by halftime.
Siakam and Turner Set the Tone
Pascal Siakam led the scoring charge with 21 points, part of a balanced offensive effort that saw seven Pacers finish in double figures. Myles Turner added 20 points of his own, including a highlight-reel bucket at the rim off a no-look dish from Tyrese Haliburton that sent the building into a frenzy.
Obi Toppin also chipped in 20, showcasing his energy in transition and finishing ability around the rim. Haliburton wasn’t as aggressive scoring the ball but contributed 11 points and played the role of floor general with his usual flair.
The Pacers’ ball movement, pace, and efficiency left Cleveland scrambling defensively throughout the game. Every possession seemed to end with an open look, and Indiana took full advantage of the Cavs’ sloppy rotations.
Donovan Mitchell Injury Sinks Cleveland Hopes
Cleveland’s hopes took a significant blow late in the first half when star guard Donovan Mitchell suffered a left ankle injury. Mitchell, who had dropped 40+ points in each of the previous two games, tried to return after halftime but was ruled out shortly after warmups.
His absence left the Cavaliers rudderless. Without Mitchell’s scoring punch and leadership, the offense lacked direction, and the defense couldn’t keep pace with Indiana’s relentless attack.
Coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed postgame that Mitchell would undergo an MRI on Monday, adding that his Game 5 status is very much in doubt. It’s a cruel twist of fate for a team that battled hard all season only to face this adversity with their playoff lives hanging in the balance.
Tensions Flare in the First Quarter
Despite the lopsided nature of the game, emotions ran high. With just over four minutes left in the opening quarter, Pacers reserve Bennedict Mathurin was ejected after striking De’Andre Hunter in the chest. Hunter retaliated by shoving Mathurin to the ground and received a technical foul for his role in the scuffle. Myles Turner was also slapped with a technical for stepping into the fray.
The incident added extra spice to what was already a high-stakes game. But instead of distracting the Pacers, it only seemed to fire them up more.
PACERS TAKE 3-1 SERIES LEAD ON A DOMINANT PERFORMANCE AT HOME
Siakam: 21 PTS, 9-10 FGM, 6 REB
Turner: 20 PTS, 4-4 3PM, 7 REB
Toppin: 20 PTS, 9-14 FGM, 5 REB pic.twitter.com/B2wNary2fu— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2025
Turnovers Doom the Cavs
The Cavaliers never truly recovered from their slow start. Darius Garland tried to pick up the slack in Mitchell’s absence, scoring a team-high 21 points, but the mistakes were too many. Cleveland committed 22 turnovers, which Indiana converted into 35 points — a backbreaker in a game that was already slipping away.
Other Cavs contributors struggled as well. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were ineffective on the glass and in protecting the rim, while Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro failed to provide the offensive spark that Cleveland desperately needed.
Indiana Pacers One Win Away
Now up 3-1, the Pacers are just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. Game 5 shifts back to Cleveland on Tuesday, but the Cavaliers will need more than just home-court advantage to stave off elimination — especially if Mitchell is unavailable.
Indiana’s energy, ball movement, and shooting touch were simply too much in Game 4. And with momentum firmly on their side, the Pacers have taken control of the series with authority.
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