Cavaliers knock off Pacers 135-119

Donovan Mitchell erupted for 43 points on an efficient 16 of 27 shooting, and added nine rebounds and six assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers rolled past the Indiana Pacers 135–119 on Monday. It was Mitchell in full command, attacking from all levels and setting the tone from the opening minutes.

Rookie Jaylon Tyson delivered one of his best performances of the season, pouring in 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting while grabbing a team-high 11 boards. Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter chipped in 13 points apiece for a Cavs squad that dominated the interior and controlled the pace wire to wire.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 26 points, while Andrew Nembhard scored 21. Garrison Mathews—inked to his second 10-day earlier in the day—gave Indiana a boost off the bench with 15 points, hitting all three of his triples. Jay Huff also added 15.

Cleveland shot 51% from the field and bludgeoned Indiana on the glass with a 48-36 rebounding advantage. The Pacers shot 49% themselves but were undone by 14 turnovers—double Cleveland’s total.

The Cavs seized control early, building a pair of 21-point leads, including a 53–32 cushion before heading into halftime up 66–54. Indiana never led beyond the opening 2–0 advantage; Hunter’s three made it 5–2 and Cleveland never looked back.

Despite near-identical first-half shooting numbers, Cleveland’s dominance on the boards (27-15) and careful ball security (three turnovers to Indiana’s eight) created all the separation needed. The Cavs led 99–90 entering the fourth, then opened the final period with five straight points to reestablish a double-digit margin that held the rest of the way.

Cleveland played without Darius Garland, who sat out the second leg of a back-to-back to manage a toe injury, and Lonzo Ball, who missed the game due to illness.

Up next:

*Cavaliers: Host the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

Pacers: Welcome the Nuggets on Wednesday.*