Cavs Crumble in Game 4 as Mitchell Injures Ankle and Pacers Take 3-1 Series Lead

After the Cavaliers’ dominant Game 3 victory, fans had reason to feel proud. However, that sentiment was short-lived. Game 4 brought a historic collapse as the Cavs fell 129-109 to the Indiana Pacers, going down 3-1 in the series. The most glaring statistic: the Cavs had more turnovers (14) than field goals (8) in the first half, trailing by a playoff-record 41 points at halftime. What was once momentum now feels like humiliation.

Cavs’ Big Men Vanish, Team Plays Sloppy and Uninspired Basketball in Game 4

Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, key contributors in Game 3, were virtually invisible in Game 4. Mobley scored three points with two rebounds, while Allen managed just one rebound in 15 minutes. Combined, they totaled only five points and three rebounds in 35 minutes.

Their lack of physical presence and unwillingness to attack the rim symbolized the team’s overall lack of effort. This dramatic drop-off raises serious concerns about the team’s consistency and mental readiness.

The Cavaliers played with startling carelessness, often losing control of the ball and making bizarre passes. Their offense looked uncoordinated and lethargic, as if they were participating in a pickup game rather than a crucial playoff matchup.

The team appeared utterly unprepared for the Pacers’ intensity, which was expected given Indiana’s home-court advantage and motivation following a Game 3 loss. The Cavs’ lack of focus and energy was glaring and inexcusable.

Mitchell Injured, Carlisle Dominates, and Cavs Collapse Under Pressure in Crucial Game 4

Superstar Donovan Mitchell, who had averaged 41 points over the first three games, was shut down by Indiana’s defense in Game 4. He scored just 12 points on 3-for-11 shooting before exiting with an ankle injury in the first half.

Already battling a calf issue, Mitchell received little to no support from teammates or tactical adjustments from the coaching staff. The offense collapsed without him, showing a stunning lack of strategy or composure in his absence.

Indiana’s head coach Rick Carlisle outmaneuvered Cleveland with adjustments that picked apart the Cavs’ Game 3 zone defense. The Pacers, with a strong 34-14 post-New Year record and a recent history of competitiveness, showed why they are a legitimate playoff threat.

Meanwhile, Cleveland’s failure to hold a 21-point lead in Game 2 looms large. As Game 5 approaches, the Cavs face a must-win at home—and another lifeless showing could mark a disappointing end to their season.