Pacers push Cavaliers to the brink as Rick Carlisle sets franchise record

The Pacers came out firing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, surging to a 41-point halftime lead, tying an NBA playoff record. Balanced scoring once again defined their approach, with Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each scoring 20 points or more. 

Indiana shot 52.7 percent from the field and nearly 43 percent from beyond the arc while forcing 22 turnovers in a thoroughly dominant performance.

Cleveland, by contrast, looked disjointed and overwhelmed, suffering a major blow when Donovan Mitchell exited at halftime with a left ankle injury. The All-Star guard, already managing a calf issue, is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, according to head coach Kenny Atkinson.

In Mitchell’s absence, Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 21 points, but the team unraveled in the second quarter and never regained its footing.

Indiana capitalized on every mistake, dominating the paint and controlling the pace. While Tyrese Haliburton didn’t light up the scoreboard, his playmaking set the tone, and the Pacers’ bench outperformed Cleveland’s across the board.

"We haven't done anything yet," Carlisle said postgame, via Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated. "We were a pretty significant underdog in every game we've played in that series and that will continue until the end. We’re going to keep approaching this like we have everything to prove."

With the series shifting back to Cleveland for Game 5 on Tuesday, the Pacers hold all the momentum. Garland remained hopeful postgame—pointing to past playoff comebacks—but the Cavaliers face a daunting challenge, especially if Mitchell is unavailable.

For Indiana, the story goes beyond one win. It’s a testament to the culture Carlisle has cultivated, the rise of a balanced and confident roster, and the growing belief that the Pacers’ moment might finally be here.