SOURCE SPORTS: Pacers Dominate Cavs in Game 4, Move One Win from East Finals

Pacers Dominate Cavs in Game 4, Move One Win from East Finals
Ron Hoskins & Dylan Buel/NBAE via Getty Images

The Indiana Pacers put on a first-half masterclass Sunday, erupting for 80 points on 60% shooting and 25 assists to cruise past the Cavaliers 129-109 and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Indiana’s blistering offensive pace gave them an 80-39 halftime advantage, tying the largest playoff halftime lead of the play-by-play era. The 25 first-half assists were also the most in any playoff half since 1998. Seven Pacers finished in double figures, led by Pascal Siakam (21 points on 9-of-10 shooting), Obi Toppin (20 points), and Myles Turner (20 points, 4-of-4 from three).

The Pacers totaled 37 assists, the highest of the 2025 Playoffs so far. It’s the third time in two postseasons Indiana has recorded 37+ assists — a feat achieved only 10 times league-wide in the past 30 years.

Coach Rick Carlisle earned his 33rd postseason win with Indiana, passing Larry Bird for the most in franchise history. “Coach is a savant when it comes to adjustments,” said Tyrese Haliburton, praising Carlisle’s ability to maximize his roster.

Despite Darius Garland’s 21-point effort in his second game back from injury, Cleveland struggled to keep pace. Star guard Donovan Mitchell was held to 12 points before exiting with an ankle injury at halftime.

With the series shifting back to Cleveland for Game 5 on Tuesday, Indiana sits one win away from its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2014.