The Indiana Pacers delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, overpowering the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their NBA playoff series. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder ground out a tough win over the Denver Nuggets to even their own series at two games apiece.
PACERS DOMINATE AS CAVS STRUGGLE WITHOUT MITCHELL
Indiana came out firing, racing to a massive 80-39 halftime lead over Cleveland—a deficit that left the Cavaliers reeling. The blowout performance was led by Pascal Siakam’s 21 points, with six other Pacers hitting double figures. Notably, Myles Turner and Obi Toppin contributed 20 points each, while Tyrese Haliburton added 11 points and several key assists, including a no-look dime that electrified the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd.
Adding to Cleveland’s woes, star guard Donovan Mitchell exited the game at halftime due to a left ankle injury after putting up just 12 points. Mitchell, who had carried the Cavaliers in previous games with back-to-back 40-point outings, is now doubtful for Game 5. Coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed Mitchell would undergo an MRI Monday, leaving Cleveland’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
The Pacers were nearly unstoppable from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of 15 three-pointers in the first half. Their high-efficiency shooting and aggressive defense translated into 22 Cleveland turnovers, which Indiana converted into 35 points. The early lead was punctuated by a 17-0 second-quarter run that fully shifted momentum in Indiana’s favor.
Despite the lopsided score, the game wasn’t without emotion. Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin was ejected for striking De’Andre Hunter, who responded with a shove and a technical. Emotions ran high, but the Pacers maintained their composure, with Turner noting, “This is a group that plays better through adversity.”
THUNDER OUTLAST NUGGETS IN DEFENSIVE DOGFIGHT
In stark contrast to the Indiana shootout, Oklahoma City and Denver engaged in a low-scoring battle in Colorado. The Thunder ultimately prevailed 92-87, thanks to clutch plays and gritty defense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Cason Wallace’s fourth-quarter three-pointer sealed the momentum shift.
Despite MVP Nikola Jokic’s 27-point, 13-rebound effort, Denver struggled to find rhythm. Both teams shot poorly—OKC made just 31 of 87 shots, slightly better than Denver’s 25-for-80—but the Thunder’s ability to hold the Nuggets to just 18 points in the final quarter made the difference. Tired legs were apparent, especially on Denver’s side, having just played an overtime game less than 48 hours earlier.
“Give their team credit,” said Nuggets coach David Adelman. “In a game that was, frankly, ugly basketball, they made the plays that mattered.” The series now heads back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, with both teams seeking a critical edge.
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