The Cavs have no idea who they will face in the first round of the playoffs. But now they know one thing: they will have home advantage. Behind the 33 points of Donovan Mitchell, author of his biggest offensive outing in two months, and the beautiful double-double from Jarrett Allen (29 points and 13 rebounds), the Ohio players repelled the Pacers (129-120), a direct competitor. They are certain to finish in the Top 4 of their conference.
“ Tonight, we have never been so close to a playoff feeling, we felt this pressure. We should celebrate this achievement because everyone worked hard to achieve it. But the work is not yet finished. We want to go far in the playoffs “, summarizes the Cavs pivotafter the favorable outcome of this crucial match.
This internal pressure did not prevent the locals from displaying a certain serenity in this playoff meeting before the hour. By gaining a 9-point lead at the end of the first quarter (35-26), the Cavs generated a favorable gap which would be maintained for the vast majority of the match. Which did not prevent the visitors, trailing by 11 points at the break (70-59), from keeping the idea in mind of being able to win in the final without needing a big “run” for the TO DO.
Garland makes all of Cleveland breathe
Because six minutes from the end, the Pacers were so well in the game that they came back to a small possession thanks to a winning shot from Tyrese Haliburton, completely forgotten at the head of the racket. A long session of basket-basket exchange took place afterwards. Pascal Siakam responding in particular to the interior activity of Jarrett Allen to keep the Pacers just two points behind two minutes from time (120-118).
The last word finally came from Darius Garland who, with a 3-point basket one minute from the end, gave his team some breathing room. Max Strus then took charge of penalizing on a free throw line where the Cavs did not particularly shine.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Pacers collective was not enough. While the Cavs insisted on a shortened eight-player rotation to win, Rick Carlisle expanded further and was especially able to count on a number of contributors. With no less than eight players arriving with 10 or more points on the clock, including 19 points each for leaders Haliburton and Siakam. Another factor testifying to the collective good health of the team, the 37 assists generated, for 46 shots scored. Despite these good indicators, Indiana lost.
– Cleveland's home-field advantage. Thanks to this victory, Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs are assured of finishing at least 4th in their conference. If the Bucks and the Knicks, ahead of them, lose on Sunday, and they beat the Hornets, they can climb to 3rd place. For the Pacers, currently 7th and therefore in a play-in position, there is great uncertainty because Magic and Sixers have the same record. Everything will therefore be decided on the last day for a team which has not made the playoffs since 2020. Ironically, the Cavaliers and Pacers could very well find themselves in the first round.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
