The Indiana Pacers delivered a stunning performance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109. The game was marred by an ankle injury to Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, leaving Cleveland on the brink of elimination as they trail the series 3-1.
Key Takeaways
- The Pacers took a commanding lead early, dominating the first half.
- Donovan Mitchell suffered an ankle injury and did not return for the second half.
- The Cavaliers struggled offensively, with only one player scoring in double figures during the first half.
- The Pacers set a postseason record for assists in a half, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Pacers' Explosive Start
The Pacers came out of the gate with intensity, quickly establishing a 22-10 lead. Their aggressive play led to a heated exchange between players, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul for Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin, who was ejected after a scuffle with De’Andre Hunter. Despite losing Mathurin, the Pacers continued to dominate, ending the first quarter with a 38-23 lead.
In the second quarter, the Pacers extended their lead with a 10-0 run, pushing the score to 25 points. They closed the half with a staggering 80 points, shooting 60% from the field and recording 25 assists, the most in any half of a playoff game in history.
Cavaliers' Struggles and Mitchell's Injury
The Cavaliers faced a dismal first half, managing only eight field goals compared to the Pacers' 30. The situation worsened when Donovan Mitchell, the team's leading scorer, injured his ankle during warm-ups for the second half. He was unable to return, finishing the game with just 12 points.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed that Mitchell would undergo an MRI to assess the injury, which was later reported as a re-aggravation of a previous ankle issue. His status for Game 5 remains uncertain, adding to the Cavaliers' woes as they look to avoid an early playoff exit.
Game Statistics
| Team | Points | Field Goals Made | Field Goals Attempted | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 129 | 51 | 85 | 12 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 109 | 30 | 70 | 22 |
Looking Ahead
With the Pacers leading the series 3-1, they are just one win away from advancing to the next round. The Cavaliers must regroup quickly, especially if they are to compete without their star player. Game 5 is set for Tuesday night in Ohio, where the Cavaliers will need to rally to keep their championship hopes alive.
The Pacers, on the other hand, will look to maintain their momentum and capitalize on the Cavaliers' struggles. If they can replicate their Game 4 performance, they could very well secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in years.