Cavaliers on the Brink: Pacers Dominate Game 4, Threaten Cleveland’s Playoff Hopes - (2025)

Updated: 11/06/2025

The Cleveland Cavaliers faced a devastating loss at the hands of the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, leaving their dream season hanging by a thread. The fourth-seeded Pacers outplayed the top-seeded Cavaliers in a remarkable 129-109 victory, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Cleveland, led by coach Kenny Atkinson, was thoroughly dominated by the Pacers, who showcased their superiority across every facet of the game. The Cavs, fresh off their first win, entered Gainbridge Fieldhouse with optimism, only to be met with a harsh reality – the Pacers had no intentions of making it easy for the East leaders.

One of the turning points in the game came early on when Cavs reserve De'Andre Hunter engaged in a scuffle with Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin, symbolizing the frustration and lack of composure displayed by the Cavaliers throughout the night. The fiery altercation was the only spark of fight shown by Cleveland in what turned out to be a one-sided affair.

Despite entering the game with confidence, the Cavs failed to find their rhythm, falling behind early and never recovering. The first half proved disastrous for Cleveland as they were outscored 80-39 by the Pacers, tying for the largest halftime deficit in NBA playoff history. Pacers' star Tyrese Haliburton's spirited performance further fueled the sellout crowd's energy, setting the stage for a memorable night for Indiana.

Donovan Mitchell, who had been a standout player for the Cavs with back-to-back 40-point games, endured a challenging evening finishing with just 12 points before leaving the game due to a left ankle injury. Mitchell's absence compounded Cleveland's struggles, as they failed to mount a comeback against a resolute Pacers side.

Star Performances and Disappointments

Darius Garland emerged as a bright spot for Cleveland, leading the team with 21 points and six assists despite playing through a painful toe sprain. However, Evan Mobley, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, could only muster 10 points, falling short of his usual impactful performance. Jarrett Allen, a key member of Cleveland's Core Four, had a forgettable game contributing only two points and two rebounds in a quiet 20-minute stint.

Indiana showcased their depth and balanced attack, with three players – Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and Obi Toppin – reaching the 20-point mark. The Pacers' starting frontcourt outscored Cleveland's frontcourt by a significant margin, highlighting their team's cohesive and effective play throughout the game.

The resounding victory for the Pacers now puts them one win away from advancing to the next round, with a potential matchup against the Boston Celtics looming on the horizon. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers find themselves on the brink of elimination, facing a daunting task of turning the tide in Game 5 to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Looking Ahead to Game 5

The Cavaliers will host the Pacers for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in a must-win situation. With tipoff set for 7 p.m., Cleveland faces a critical juncture in their season, requiring a resilient and focused performance to stave off elimination and force a Game 6.

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