Donovan Mitchell delivered a spectacular 43-point performance to will the Cleveland Cavaliers to a crucial 135-119 road victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 (Philippine Time). The win snapped a demoralizing three-game losing skid for the Cavs, providing a vital boost to team morale.
Mitchell Takes Over, Tyson Provides Key Support
The Cavaliers' star guard was in sublime form, efficiently hitting 16 of his 27 field goal attempts. Mitchell didn't just score; he filled the stat sheet, adding nine rebounds and six assists to lead his team in all facets. Rookie Jaylon Tyson offered crucial secondary scoring, contributing a strong double-double of 27 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter each chipped in 13 points to round out a balanced offensive effort.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The Pacers, who held the league's second-worst record at 4-17 coming into the game, started strong with a brief 2-0 lead but never led again. Cleveland built a lead as large as 21 points in the first half, only to see Indiana claw back. The Pacers closed the second quarter on a run to trim the deficit to 66-54 at halftime and carried that momentum into the third period, threatening to take control.
However, the Cavaliers' offense, spearheaded by Mitchell, found another gear in the final quarter. They executed with precision down the stretch, pulling away decisively to secure the 16-point win and improve their record to 13-9.
Significance and Notable Absences
This victory held extra importance for a Cavaliers squad missing several key players. The team triumphed despite the absence of a significant portion of its core, including Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., and Sam Merrill. The win demonstrated the team's resilience and depth.
For the struggling Pacers, Pascal Siakam led the way with 26 points. Andrew Nembhard added 21, while Garrison Mathews—playing on his second 10-day contract—scored all of his 15 points from the free-throw line.
The Cavaliers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, hoping the return of their injured stars will combine with the confidence from this hard-fought road win.
