The Indiana Pacers delivered a strong performance to halt the Cleveland Cavaliers' impressive 12-game winning streak with a 108-93 victory on Sunday night. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 19 points, supported by Pascal Siakam's 18 points and nine rebounds.
Indiana's balanced effort saw Myles Turner contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Jarace Walker provided a spark off the bench with eight points and 12 rebounds. The Pacers showcased their defensive prowess by limiting the Cavaliers to a season-low in points and outscoring them 68-40 in the second half.
Cleveland, who had not suffered a defeat since December 8th, faced a tough challenge from the Pacers. Despite Darius Garland's 20 points and Donovan Mitchell's 19 points, the Cavaliers couldn't maintain their winning momentum.
Key Takeaways
Pacers: All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton sat out the second half due to left hamstring tightness, impacting the team's performance. However, Indiana displayed resilience and depth to secure their sixth consecutive victory.
Cavaliers: Coach Rick Carlisle praised Cleveland's depth and defensive prowess under new coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavaliers' 3-point shooting, a strength for the team, faltered as they made just 11 of 41 attempts, a season-low 26.8%.
Key Moment
Indiana's pivotal 32-7 run in response to the Cavaliers' 60-45 lead in the third quarter turned the tide of the game. Obi Toppin's impactful performance off the bench, including a steal-and-slam, fueled the Pacers' comeback and secured the victory.
Key Stat
The Cavaliers, known for their sharpshooting from beyond the arc, struggled from 3-point range, shooting just 26.8% for the game. Mitchell and Garland combined for six made 3-pointers, highlighting Cleveland's offensive challenges.
With this victory, the Pacers set the stage for a rematch against the Cavaliers in Indianapolis on Tuesday night. The NBA world eagerly anticipates the continuation of this exciting matchup between two talented teams.
For more NBA news and updates, visit AP NBA.
