Mitchell Fires Cavaliers Past Pacers with 43-Point Display in Indianapolis

Key Takeaways:

• Donovan Mitchell produced 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists as Cleveland defeated Indiana 135-119 on Monday night
• Jaylon Tyson contributed 27 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who outrebounded the Pacers 48-36
• Indiana suffered 14 turnovers and only held the lead at 2-0 before Cleveland seized control

Match Analysis

On Monday night in Indianapolis, Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance, amassing 43 points on 16-for-27 shooting to guide the Cleveland Cavaliers to a convincing 135-119 triumph over the Indiana Pacers. Mitchell also collected nine rebounds and dished out six assists, dominating both ends of the court.

Jaylon Tyson proved equally crucial for the Cavaliers, adding 27 points on 10-of-13 from the field and securing a team-leading 11 rebounds. Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter chipped in with 13 points apiece. Hunter’s early three-pointer at 5-2 ensured Cleveland never trailed again after the Pacers’ initial 2-0 advantage.

CAVS WIN‼️ #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/v74yeHb2Q1

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 2, 2025

Statistical Review

Pascal Siakam paced the Pacers with 26 points, while Andrew Nembhard netted 21. Garrison Mathews, returning on a second 10-day contract, contributed 15 points including a perfect three-for-three from beyond the arc. Jay Huff also added 15 points.

The Cavaliers staked a lead of 21 points on two occasions, last at 53-32, before Indiana narrowed the gap to 66-54 at half-time. Both squads shot well in the opening half – Indiana at 50%, Cleveland at 49% – but the Cavaliers dominated the boards (27-15) and protected possession, turning the ball over just three times to Indiana’s eight.

Game Dynamics and Key Moments

Indiana’s only lead came at 2-0 before Cleveland seized control with Hunter’s early three-pointer. The hosts trailed 99-90 by the end of the third quarter. Cleveland opened the fourth frame with a five-point burst, maintaining a double-digit cushion throughout the closing minutes.

The Cavaliers managed the absence of Darius Garland, out to nurse his left toe following consecutive games, while the Pacers were without Lonzo Ball due to illness.

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