Andrew Nembhard scores 32 for Pacers in NBA Cup loss to Cavaliers

CLEVELAND -- Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points to lead the Cavs to a 120-109 victory over the Pacers in an Eastern Conference semifinal rematch and an NBA Cup game at Rocket Arena.

The Pacers fell to 2-14 overall and 0-2 in NBA Cup East Group A play. The Cavs are 11-6, 2-1.

Evan Mobley posted 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs. Guard Darius Garland and wing DeAndre Hunter had 20 each. Point guard Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with a career-high 32 points. Forward Pascal Siakam added 26, Bennedict Mathurin had 21 and T.J. McConnell had 10.

Here are three observations.

Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley lead charge for Cleveland

The Cavaliers are missing some of their key parts with center Jarrett Allen and wings Sam Merrill and Max Strus out with injuries, but their All-NBA superstars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley played the parts they needed to play.

Mitchell, a first-team All-NBA pick last season, was a little slow to get rolling, but was dominant after the break with 20 of his 32 points coming in the second half. He finished 11 of 22 from the floor and 4 of 11 from 3 with some dazzling step-back 3s mixed in. He also finished with nine rebounds and five assists.

The Pacers also had little answer for Mobley down low as he posted 22 points on 7 of 13 shooting to go with 12 rebounds, four assists and four blocks.

Andrew Nembhard goes off

Andrew Nembhard is growing more and more comfortable with his role as the Pacers' lead guard and primary creator, knowing he has to put more points on the board this season with Tyrese Haliburton out for the year with his Achilles tendon tear.

Nembhard hit two 3s early and scored 10 of the Pacers' first 15 points, attacking Cavs guard Darius Garland, who was coming off a great toe sprain. Nembhard kept attacking off the bounce and from deep and ended up with 32 points on 11 of 20 shooting including 3 of 5 from 3-point range on a night when most of the Pacers struggled from beyond the arc. He also managed eight assists, taking advantage of the gravity he created.

Pacers stalwarts are productive... other guys, not so much

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was asked in his pre-game press conference about the toughness the team is still showing with so many injuries and so many defeats. He noted that lead assistant Lloyd Pierce asked for a show of hands of how many players didn't play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last year and numerous hands went up.

The Pacers now have a few of their key players from that run back from injuries, but they're still relying on a lot of players who either weren't there or played limited roles and they need more from them than they're getting.

Nembhard, Siakam, Mathurin and McConnell all scored in double figures and the four of them combined for 89 points on 31 of 56 shooting. The rest of the team finished with 20 points on 6 of 32 shooting. Nobody outside of those four scored more than six points.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Andrew Nembhard scores 32 for Pacers in NBA Cup loss to Cavaliers