Pacers Equal NBA Playoff Record with Dominant Halftime Lead

INDIANAPOLIS: The Indiana Pacers showcased their dominance with a 129-109 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on Sunday. The Pacers now lead the series 3-1 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Pascal Siakam spearheaded the Pacers’ attack with 21 points, also contributing three assists and six rebounds. Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each added 20 points to the scoreboard.

Turner also recorded three assists and seven rebounds, while Toppin had five rebounds and two assists.

“We haven’t accomplished our goals yet,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle stated. He added, “We will continue to approach this series with the mindset that we have much to prove. Knowing that we are underestimated, we will maintain our intensity and continue to compete.”

The Pacers initiated the game with remarkable energy, taking control early. They secured the first quarter with a 38-23 lead and further extended their advantage with a 42-16 performance in the second quarter.

By halftime, the Pacers had established a significant 44-point lead, matching a league record previously attained by the Cavaliers in Game 2 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.

The Cavaliers demonstrated resilience in the latter half, outscoring the Pacers 38-29 in the third quarter and 32-20 in the fourth.

However, their efforts to rally were insufficient, and they could not diminish the deficit enough to secure a win.

Darius Garland of Cleveland stood out, contributing 21 points, six assists, and one rebound. However, apart from Garland, the Cavaliers struggled offensively, with no other player making a substantial contribution.

With this triumph, the Pacers become the 10th team in NBA playoff history to achieve 80 or more points in the first half of a game, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder, who scored 87 points in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets earlier in the week.

The Pacers now proceed to Game 5, presenting them with an opportunity to conclude the series and advance to the subsequent round.