The Indiana Pacers didn’t just win Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers—they made history.
With an 80-39 halftime lead, the Pacers tied the NBA record for the largest halftime advantage in playoff history. Their explosive first half set the tone for a 129-109 victory, giving them a commanding 3-1 series lead as they inch closer to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Indiana wasted no time asserting dominance, shooting 60% from the field and knocking down 12 of 18 three-pointers in the first two quarters. Their ball movement was impeccable, racking up 25 assists while forcing Cleveland into 14 turnovers—more than the Cavs’ total made field goals in the half.
The 41-point halftime lead matched the previous record set by the Cavaliers themselves in Game 2 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.
While the Pacers’ offensive explosion was a collective effort, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner led the way. Siakam finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Turner added 20 points and 7 rebounds.
Cleveland entered the game hoping to build on their Game 3 victory, but their hopes were quickly dashed. The Cavaliers shot just 25% from the field in the first half and had only three players with more than one made basket.
To make matters worse, Donovan Mitchell suffered a left ankle injury and did not return for the second half. Without their star guard, Cleveland struggled to mount a comeback despite outscoring Indiana in the third and fourth quarters.
Despite the historic win, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle refused to let his team get complacent.
“We haven’t done anything yet,” Carlisle said after the game. “We’re going to keep approaching this like we have everything to prove. We know people don’t believe in us … this game is now history.”
His message was clear—the Pacers must stay locked in as they prepare for Game 5 in Cleveland.
With a 3-1 series lead, Indiana is just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for a second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers face elimination and uncertainty surrounding Mitchell’s injury.
Game 5 is set for Tuesday, May 13, where Cleveland will look to keep their season alive while Indiana aims to close out the series.
