Pacers Dominate Cavaliers, Take 3-1 Series Lead

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109 in Game 4 on Sunday, taking a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin was ejected in the first quarter after receiving a flagrant foul 2 for striking Cavaliers forward Jae’Sean Tate. This led to a scuffle in which Pacers center Myles Turner also received a technical foul. After reviewing the incident, officials deemed Mathurin’s actions excessive.

“That contact was deemed to be unnecessary and excessive,” crew chief John Goble told reporters after the game.

The Pacers jumped to a 38-23 lead in the first quarter, fueled by their sharp shooting and aggressive defense. Mathurin played only one minute without scoring before his ejection.

Following the altercation, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle commented on Mathurin’s situation. “Whatever happened, happened. He will accept the ejection and move forward. It is a learning experience for him,” Carlisle said. “Playoff series are physical, and we need to stay focused on our game plan.”

Cavs star Donovan Mitchell missed the second half of the game due to a left ankle injury. Coach Kenny Atkinson described the injury as concerning and said Mitchell would undergo an MRI on Monday.

Mitchell scored 12 points in the first half but did not return for the second half. The Cavaliers entered halftime trailing 80-39, with Mitchell’s absence impacting their performance.

Despite the large deficit, Atkinson noted concerns about excessive fouls in prior games, referencing Mathurin’s block on Hunter in Game 1 that led to a sprained thumb for Hunter. “Complete domination by them,” Atkinson said of the Pacers. “That’s kind of the story. In every facet.”

The Pacers never trailed in Game 4, dominating the game with a strong first half. They tied the record for the largest halftime lead in postseason history, equal to what the 2017 Cavaliers achieved in the Eastern Conference finals.

Indiana had seven players score in double figures, led by Tyrese Haliburton, who highlighted the team’s energy coming out strong to counter the Cavaliers’ physicality in previous games. “We just came out with good energy,” Haliburton said.

The Cavaliers now face elimination with Game 5 set for Tuesday in Cleveland. Atkinson acknowledged, “They raised their game to another level, and we didn’t match it.”

As the series progresses, the Pacers look to maintain their momentum while the Cavaliers aim to rally at home.