The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive run by defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-117 on January 12, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The victory marked the Cavaliers' 13th consecutive win, solidifying their position as the top team not just this season but potentially of the last several years.
The game showcased the Cavaliers at their best, led by their star guard Donovan Mitchell, who scored 29 points along with 6 assists. He was supported by fellow All-Stars Darius Garland, who added 23 points and 9 assists, and Evan Mobley, who contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds. Together, these players demonstrated why the Cavaliers hold the best record in the NBA at 34-4, continuing dominance demonstrated throughout the season.
The Pacers, who have been experiencing their best stretch of the season, entered the game with momentum, having won 11 of their last 14 games. Despite the loss, they fought hard, with Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge, finishing with 24 points and 8 assists. His backcourt mate, Bennedict Mathurin, added 21 points, but it was not enough to overcome the formidable Cavaliers.
From the beginning, the game showcased the defensive prowess and quickness of both teams. The Cavaliers opened strong, with Garland and Mitchell quickly knocking down early 3-pointers, putting the Pacers on their heels. The Pacers, who fell behind early on, managed to recover, narrowing the gap with some sharp shooting from Mathurin and Siakam, who scored 18 points each.
Though the Pacers fell behind by as many as 15 points, their resilience shone through. They managed to chip away at the lead, with strong contributions off the bench including Jarace Walker, whose timely 3-pointers brought energy to the Pacers' offense.
Coach Rick Carlisle praised his team's efforts: "We showed great grit and determination, but Cleveland is just too good right now. We're still finding our rhythm, but I’m proud of how we battled back after getting knocked around early on." Corporate partner FanDuel Sports Network highlighted the impressive playoff push the Pacers are making as the season approaches its halfway point.
The Cavaliers, known for their team chemistry and deep roster, relied heavily on their stars but also got key contributions from role players. Jarrett Allen was instrumental on both ends of the court, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds, embodying the work ethic and defensive tenacity the team prides itself on.
The substitution patterns were telling during the match. Carlisle deployed his bench strategically to rest starters and maintain pace, but the Cavaliers continuously managed to maintain their lead, led by their physical play and disciplined shooting. Cleveland's shooting percentages suggest their game plan revolved around capitalizing on Evian's inside presence and Mitchell's outside shooting threat.
Despite some questionable calls, including the reversal of Pascal Siakam's 3-point attempt at the end of the second quarter, the Pacers pressed on determined. Reports indicate Siakam had words for the officials following the controversial call. Still, this did not deter the Pacers. They went on to take the lead briefly after hitting several consecutive shots from beyond the arc.
The game brought exciting moves, including dunks and buzzer-beaters, capturing the crowd's energy. Fans were treated to exceptional performances, highlighted by Mobley's near triple-double and Mathurin's deep 3-pointer arriving just as the shot clock expired.
Both teams left the floor with lessons learned. The Cavaliers remain on course for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, fully aware of their historical form. The Pacers, knowing they battled well against the best team, remain hopeful as they chase the playoff picture. They have turned their season around recently, gaining momentum like never before, especially with the return of their star players from injury.
The upcoming rematch on January 14th at Pacers’ home will be closely watched as both teams look to establish themselves as contenders moving forward. With the current trajectories of both teams, it's bound to be another thrilling experience for their loyal fans.