Cleveland Cavaliers Stumble in Game 4 Against Indiana Pacers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a grim reality after a devastating 129-109 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The defeat, which took place on Sunday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, has placed the Cavaliers in a 3-1 series deficit, putting their playoff hopes on life support.
First Half Collapse Sets the Tone
From the opening minutes, it was clear that Cleveland was outmatched. The Pacers dominated every aspect of the game, jumping to a double-digit lead just seven minutes into the first quarter. By halftime, the Cavaliers were down 80-39, tying the largest halftime deficit in NBA playoff history. The team made just eight field goals in the first half and committed 14 turnovers, a far cry from their regular-season form.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle orchestrated a masterful game plan, while Cleveland’s coach Kenny Atkinson admitted his team was outplayed in every facet. “Complete domination by them. Every facet,” Atkinson said postgame. “It wasn’t like, oh, you know, tactics or anything involved. They dominated us in every facet of the game.”
Donovan Mitchell Struggles and Exits Early
Donovan Mitchell, who had been the Cavaliers’ standout performer with back-to-back 40-point games earlier in the series, managed only 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting before leaving the game in the second half due to a left ankle injury. Although Mitchell assured reporters he would be “good” for Game 5, he is scheduled for an MRI on Monday to assess the extent of the injury.
Mitchell’s absence was a significant blow to a team already struggling to find its rhythm. Darius Garland led Cleveland with 21 points and six assists, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, key members of the team’s “Core Four,” combined for just 12 points and four rebounds.
Indiana’s Balanced Attack Shines
The Pacers, on the other hand, showcased a balanced offensive effort. Pascal Siakam led the team with 21 points, while Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each contributed 20. Indiana’s starting frontcourt outscored Cleveland’s 53-23, highlighting the disparity in performance between the two teams.
Indiana’s two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton also played a pivotal role, energizing the home crowd and orchestrating the offense with precision. The Pacers’ depth and cohesion were on full display, as they capitalized on Cleveland’s turnovers and lackluster defense.
Physical Play and Tempers Flare
The game also featured moments of physicality and tension. Early in the first quarter, Cleveland’s De’Andre Hunter retaliated against Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin after a perceived cheap shot. Mathurin was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul, while Hunter and Myles Turner received technical fouls. Despite the ejection, the Pacers used the incident as motivation, outscoring the Cavaliers 58-29 for the remainder of the half.
What Lies Ahead for Cleveland
The Cavaliers now face a must-win Game 5 on Tuesday night in Cleveland. While the team has shown resilience in the past, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit is a daunting challenge. The last time Cleveland achieved such a feat was during their historic 2016 NBA Finals comeback against the Golden State Warriors, but this current roster lacks the same level of experience and star power.
Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the need for mental toughness and preparation. “We’ve been through adversity plenty of times,” said Darius Garland. “This group has been together for a couple of years now. Been through a lot of adversity the last three years together. This franchise has done it before. We’ve seen it done before.”
However, the Cavaliers must address several glaring issues, including their inability to handle physical play, their reliance on Donovan Mitchell, and their lack of bench production. Key players like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will need to step up if Cleveland hopes to extend the series.
Indiana’s Momentum and Confidence
Meanwhile, the Pacers are brimming with confidence. The team is just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they could potentially face the Boston Celtics. Chants of “We want Boston!” echoed through Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Pacers closed out their dominant Game 4 performance.
Indiana’s ability to adapt and execute under pressure has been a hallmark of their playoff run. With Rick Carlisle at the helm, the Pacers have demonstrated a level of poise and strategy that has eluded the Cavaliers in this series.
Source: Cleveland.com, Indianapolis Star