The Indiana Pacers shrugged off early drama and delivered a dominant performance to seize a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite losing guard Bennedict Mathurin to a first-quarter ejection, the Pacers stormed to a convincing 129-109 victory on Sunday night.
Mathurin’s dismissal came just over four minutes before the end of the first quarter after he was penalised for a punch to De’Andre Hunter’s chest.
However, that incident failed to derail Indiana’s momentum. Already ahead 22-10 at the time of the ejection, the Pacers continued their charge. They powerfully stretched the lead to 38-23 by the end of the quarter.
Not only did they maintain their grip, but Indiana exploded with a staggering 42-16 second-quarter blitz. They also built an 80-39 halftime advantage – a franchise record for most points in a playoff half. Although the Cavaliers tried to rally, the damage had been done, and the Pacers cruised to victory.
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Pascal Siakam starred with 21 points, while both Myles Turner and Obi Toppin chipped in 20 apiece. Their efforts helped erase memories of a 126-104 game three defeat.
According to Turner, adversity may have been the spark they needed. “We got punched in the mouth last game, we had a hell of a response,” he said. “The starters set the tone, and the bench picked it up.”
Cleveland’s night worsened when star guard Donovan Mitchell exited in the second half with an ankle injury. He is scheduled for an MRI on Monday, casting doubt over his availability for the pivotal game five in Cleveland.
Thunder survive scrappy battle to level series
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder battled past the Denver Nuggets 92-87 in what was widely described as a sluggish and scrappy encounter.
The result tied the series at 2-2 heading into a critical fifth game.
While the Thunder’s offense never truly found rhythm, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stood tall. He registered 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists. His leadership proved crucial against a Nuggets side led by Nikola Jokic, who finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds.
Denver’s third-quarter surge saw them lead 53-52 and build an eight-point cushion early in the fourth. However, the Thunder clawed their way back.
A clutch three-pointer from Cason Wallace with just over eight minutes remaining was crucial. That flipped the momentum as Oklahoma City held firm till the buzzer.
Following the game, Nuggets coach David Adelman didn’t mince words, calling the contest a “really disgusting basketball game.” Even so, he conceded that the Thunder “made enough plays” to secure the win.
Game five now shifts to Oklahoma City, where both teams will be desperate to seize control of the series.
Tags: Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, NBA, Eastern Conference semi-final series, Western Conference, Bennedict Mathurin, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, David Adelman, Cason Wallace.
