The Indiana Pacers delivered a commanding performance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109 on Sunday, May 11, 2025. With this victory, the Pacers have taken a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, positioning themselves one win away from their second consecutive conference finals appearance.
Historic First Half Sets the Tone
Indiana’s dominance was evident early, as they built a staggering 41-point lead by halftime, tying an NBA playoff record for the largest halftime advantage. The Pacers outscored the Cavaliers 42-16 in the second quarter alone, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive intensity.
Balanced Scoring Fuels Pacers’ Offense
The Pacers’ offensive success was a collective effort, with seven players scoring in double figures. Pascal Siakam led the team with 21 points, shooting an impressive 9-of-10 from the field. Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each contributed 20 points, while Ben Sheppard added 14, T.J. McConnell 13, and Aaron Nesmith 12.
Indiana’s efficient shooting was a key factor in their victory, as they converted 52.7% of their field goal attempts and 43% from beyond the arc. Their ball movement was exceptional, setting franchise and NBA playoff records for assists in a half.
Cavaliers Struggle Amidst Adversity
The Cavaliers faced significant challenges throughout the game. Star guard Donovan Mitchell exited during halftime warmups due to a non-contact left ankle injury, limiting him to just 12 points in 20 minutes. His absence was a major blow to Cleveland’s offensive capabilities.
Cleveland’s offense struggled to find rhythm, shooting only 26% in the first quarter and committing 22 turnovers over the course of the game. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 21 points, but much of his scoring came during the latter stages when the outcome was largely decided.
Physical Play and Ejections
The game was marked by physicality and tension. Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin was ejected in the second quarter following a flagrant-2 foul on De’Andre Hunter. Despite Mathurin’s early exit, Indiana maintained their composure and control of the game.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
With a 3-1 series lead, the Pacers have the opportunity to close out the series in Game 5, scheduled to take place in Cleveland. Indiana’s head coach, Rick Carlisle, emphasized the importance of staying focused, stating, “We haven’t done anything yet.”
The Cavaliers face a daunting task, needing to win three consecutive games to advance. Darius Garland remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from the franchise’s historic comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals. However, the potential absence of Donovan Mitchell adds to the challenge.
As the series returns to Cleveland, all eyes will be on the Cavaliers to see if they can mount a comeback against a Pacers team firing on all cylinders.
