A much-anticipated game between two very different teams

At Gainbridge Fieldhouse the Cavaliers and Pacers met in a game where the gap in the standings didn’t match the fight on the floor. Cleveland, hunting a string of wins, needed its leaders to step up against an Indiana side near the bottom of the league.

Garland’s night

Darius Garland was ruthless and inspired from the opening minute. With Donovan Mitchell out, the point guard took charge of the offense. Garland scored a meaningful chunk, was sharp with his shots and clear-headed in his decisions, and handed out several big assists that freed up the Cavs’ collective game. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Garland, centre of the action

What you’ll remember is his knack for scoring while bringing teammates into it. He led Cleveland in both points and distribution, creating clean looks and opening lanes. His impact came in the moments that mattered — mid-range buckets and drives where he repeatedly unsettled the Pacers’ defence.

Pacers push back

Indiana didn’t let the Cavaliers stroll. The Pacers led for most of the game, taking the first three quarters. They leaned on aggressive defence and quick-trigger shots to stay in it. Still, Garland’s accuracy and leadership edged things out, especially in the final possessions when every point counted.

A crucial role in the rotation

Beyond the stat line, Garland was the axis around which Cleveland built its offence. His court IQ and reads let the Cavs exploit transition chances and sharpen their set plays, especially against a Pacers defence that was often slow on the rotations.