The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a commanding performance Friday night, defeating the struggling Indiana Pacers 120-109 at Rocket Arena. The win not only boosts the Cavs’ record to an impressive 11-6 but also deepens the Pacers’ woes, dropping them to a dismal 2-14 for the season.
Mitchell’s Masterclass Leads the Way
Donovan Mitchell was the undisputed star of the night, pouring in 32 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. Mitchell’s relentless energy and clutch shooting kept the Cavaliers in control throughout the game. After the final buzzer, Mitchell spoke to the media, emphasizing the team’s focus and the importance of maintaining momentum as the season heats up.
Evan Mobley also made his presence felt, contributing 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Cavaliers’ starting lineup was firing on all cylinders, combining for a staggering 108 points—a testament to their offensive cohesion and depth.
Darius Garland Returns, Pacers’ Struggles Continue
A major storyline was the return of
Darius Garland from injury. Garland’s presence provided a spark for Cleveland, helping orchestrate the offense and adding another layer of threat for the Pacers to contend with.
On the other side,
Andrew Nembhard was a bright spot for Indiana, matching Mitchell’s scoring output with 32 points of his own, along with 8 assists and 3 three-pointers. Despite Nembhard’s efforts, the Pacers’ defense struggled to contain Cleveland’s balanced attack, and their season continues to spiral with another loss.
Coach Atkinson Praises Team Effort
Cavaliers Head Coach
Kenny Atkinson praised his squad’s performance in the post-game press conference, highlighting the team’s resilience and the impact of having a healthy roster. Atkinson noted the importance of building on this win as the Cavs look to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
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Cavaliers: With their core players healthy and firing, Cleveland looks poised to make a serious run in the Emirates NBA Cup and the regular season.
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Pacers: Indiana faces tough questions as their season slips further out of reach. With a 2-14 record, the pressure is mounting on both players and coaching staff to find answers and salvage some pride.
Key Takeaways
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Donovan Mitchell continues to prove why he’s one of the league’s elite guards.
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Cleveland’s starting lineup is among the most productive in the NBA right now.
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Indiana’s struggles highlight the need for defensive improvements and possibly roster changes if they hope to turn things around.
The Cavaliers’ victory over the Pacers was more than just another win—it was a statement that this team is ready to contend, while Indiana must regroup quickly to avoid a lost season.
Sources
1. PACERS at CAVALIERS | EMIRATES NBA CUP | November 21, 2025
2. Cavs vs Pacers | Keny Atkinson Post Game | 11.21.2025 - YouTube
3. Cavs vs Pacers | Donovan Mitchell Post Game | 11.21.2025 - YouTube
4. Cavs score, recap vs Pacers as Cavs win in Darius Garland's return
