Final Score: Cleveland Cavaliers beat Indiana Pacers 135-119

The Cleveland Cavaliers really needed this one. They snapped a three-game skid behind a 135-119 effort over the Indiana Pacers.

Donovan Mitchell led the way with 43 points. He shot 16-27 from the field, slicing and dicing his way through Indiana’s defense without much trouble. Mitchell has made it look easy all season and tonight was hardly any different.

Jaylon Tyson was also electric. He backed up his post-game comments from the night before, scoring 27 points on 10-13 shooting. Tyson notched a double-double by grabbing 11 rebounds. He also dished out 4 assists and played sturdy defense.

Additional shout-outs go to Craig Porter Jr, Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Tyrese Proctor. The Cavs’ youngins have repeatedly changed the complexion of each game they’ve been in. They play hard, attack the glass, and can surprise you with their offensive contributions. Porter dealt 3 assists and Proctor buried 3 three-pointers.

The Cavs entered this game without Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr. or Sam Merrill. That made the performances from Proctor, Tyson, Porter and Tomlin all that much more important. This was a team effort and they all helped capture this win.

Indiana was led in scoring by Pascal Siakam with 26 points. Andrew Nembhard added 21 points. The Cavs did a great job defending Bennedict Mathurin, who scored just 11 points despite averaging more than 22 per game for the Pacers.

Overall, the Cavs won this game by dominating the margins. They outrebounded Indiana. Scored more points in the paint. And, forced more turnovers. Check, check and check.

This might not feel like anything worth celebrating. After all, the Pacers are now 4-17 and haven’t been great on either end of the ball. But, Cleveland had been desperate for a win. Frustrations were growing both in the locker room and within the fan base. Even if it’s a lottery dwelling team like the Pacers — wins like this matter.