Mitchell powers Cavaliers past Pacers to avenge defeat

The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 35-point performance, defeated the Indiana Pacers 127-117 on Tuesday night in Indianapolis. The victory not only avenged Cleveland’s Sunday loss to Indiana but also extended their NBA-best record to 34-5.
Mitchell dominated early, scoring 19 points in the first quarter to set the tone. Despite a strong effort from Indiana, including a brief second-quarter lead and a narrow one-point deficit at halftime, the Cavaliers pulled away with a 38-28 third quarter.
Pascal Siakam paced the Pacers with 23 points, while Bennedict Mathurin added 19 before his late-game ejection. Mathurin received two technical fouls—one for hanging on the rim after a second-quarter dunk and another for bumping an official while disputing a call. The Pacers, missing star Tyrese Haliburton due to a groin injury, saw seven players score in double figures but fell short of extending their six-game win streak.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised his team’s resilience. “It was a playoff-type response,” Atkinson said. “Donovan set the tone. It was one of those nights where he wasn’t going to let us lose.”
Evan Mobley contributed 22 points, including 13 in the pivotal third quarter, while Darius Garland added 24 for Cleveland, who next face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
(Source: AFP)