if dominance, the Indiana Pacers overwhelmed the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, securing a 129–109 victory and taking a commanding 3–1 series lead. The Pacers’ 41-point halftime advantage (80–39) tied the NBA playoff record for the largest halftime lead, a mark previously set by the Cavaliers themselves in 2017.
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First Half: A Record-Breaking Surge
From the opening tip, Indiana asserted control, racing to a 38–23 lead in the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Pacers outscore the Cavaliers 42–16, culminating in an 80–39 halftime lead. This 41-point margin matched the NBA playoff record for the largest halftime lead, previously set by the Cavaliers in 2017 against the Boston Celtics. The Pacers also set a franchise playoff record for points in a half and an NBA postseason record for assists in a half with 25 in the play-by-play era.
Key Performers: Balanced Scoring and Team Effort
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting. Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each contributed 20 points, with Turner adding 7 rebounds. The bench provided significant support: Ben Sheppard scored 14 points, T.J. McConnell added 13, and Aaron Nesmith chipped in 12. Indiana’s efficient offense shot 52.7% from the field and dominated the paint with a 58–32 advantage.
Cavaliers Struggle: Turnovers and Injuries
The Cavaliers committed 22 turnovers, hindering their offensive rhythm. Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who had been averaging over 40 points in the series, managed only 12 points before exiting in the second half due to a left ankle injury. He is scheduled for an MRI, and his status for Game 5 remains uncertain. Reuters
Game Statistics
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 38 | 42 | 24 | 25 | 129 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 23 | 16 | 34 | 36 | 109 |
Looking Ahead: Game 5
With a 3–1 series lead, the Pacers have the opportunity to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals with a win in Game 5, scheduled for Tuesday in Cleveland. The Cavaliers face elimination and will need a significant turnaround, especially if Mitchell is unavailable.Fear The Sword
Indiana’s performance in Game 4 showcased their depth, efficiency, and resilience, positioning them favorably as they aim for consecutive conference final appearances
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