TITLE: Mitchell’s 38 pushes Cavaliers past injury-hit Pacers, 117–108
SLUG: mitchell-38-points-lift-cavaliers-over-short-handed-pacers
CONTENT:
Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points, including 23 after halftime, as the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a thin Indiana Pacers roster 117–108 on Sunday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The All-Star guard repeatedly attacked the lane and registered a career-high 28 points in the paint. He also collected six rebounds and six assists.
James Harden added 28 points, seven assists and five three-pointers. Together, the starting backcourt accounted for 66 points and 13 assists, production Cleveland needed to erase a 12-point first-half deficit.
Pacers undermanned but competitive
Indiana traveled without Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, dressing only nine players. Despite the shortages, the Pacers led 58-55 at intermission after sinking eight three-pointers in the opening two quarters.
The Cavaliers did not move in front until the third period and clung to a 99-96 margin early in the fourth before finally establishing control.
Key supporting efforts
With Cleveland’s regular big men resting, Thomas Bryant delivered 14 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 6-for-9. Keon Ellis contributed 13 points and three triples, Larry Nance Jr. filled multiple columns of the box score, and rookie NaeQwan Tomlin drilled a decisive three-pointer that put the home side ahead for good.
Standings and next up
The victory lifted Cleveland to 49-29, tightening the club’s grip on home-court positioning in the Eastern Conference. Indiana dropped to 18-60.
The Cavaliers visit Memphis on Monday to face another team outside the playoff race.
Source: Hoops Wire
