Indiana Pacers take down Cleveland Cavaliers to close out 2023 preseason play
The Indiana Pacers wrapped up preseason play on Friday night with a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The game got off to a high-flying start as Pacers wing Bruce Brown found Obi Toppin on a back cut for an alley-oop. That got the crowd into the game and gave Indiana confidence mere moments into the action.
They used it to keep up with a talented Cavs team early. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen were out for Cleveland, but they still have a great roster. The Pacers were ahead 15-12 after six-and-a-half minutes, and they were flying up and down the court.
Mathurin was effective for much of the first quarter. His passing was crisp, and he knocked down all of his free throws while shooting 1/2. That had Indiana ahead when they brought it their second unit.
That group, which included Andrew Nembhard for the first time of the season, gave away the lead. But a Buddy Hield three-pointer at the end of the frame tied it up again, and it was 26 all after 12 minutes.
Indiana's bench had a rickety first quarter, and that continued into the second frame. The Cavs scored seven points in the first two minutes of the quarter to race ahead.
That was the start of a 13-2 Cavaliers run, which gave them a double-digit lead and forced Indiana to bring their starters back in. The bench group had several turnovers and struggled on defense.
Making substitutions was a smart move by the blue and gold. They were back in the game instantly and reclaimed the lead with 4:15 remaining in the half. Forward Obi Toppin just kept scoring.
The Pacers held on to their advantage until halftime, where they led 56-51. Toppin led all scorers with 13 at the break, and many other Indiana players were approaching double digits.
The starters were +15 at the half, which was important in the team holding a lead. They needed more from the bench in the second half.
Fittingly, the third frame opened with Cleveland's starters being the better group. The Pacers struggled mightily with Evan Mobley, and Cavs guards Caris LeVert and Donovan Mitchell were filling up the net too. Less than three minutes into the second half, the Pacers lead was down to one.
They maintained a small advantage for a few minutes, and it was up to the second unit to keep the lead. At first, that didn't happen. The Cavs reclaimed a 70-68 lead not long after Indiana made subs. But the scoreline became balanced again with the two teams going back-and-forth, and the Pacers carried a three-point advantage into the final quarter.
Hield kept shooting, and scoring, which made it difficult for the Cavs to complete another comeback. The 30-year old guard made six of his first seven threes and was the first Indiana player to hit 20 points, which was vital in keeping the bench afloat.
With the blue and gold ahead 92-91 with 8:37 to go, they cleared their bench and brought in Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, and Isaiah Jackson. A few minutes later, Jordan Nwora entered the game.
Those four, combined with Andrew Nembhard, were rock-solid on defense for a few minutes. The Cavaliers scored just three points in the next three minutes of play as Indiana grew its lead to six.
Crunch time followed, but Nembhard was a steadying hand. He made a few important shots and defensive plays that kept the Pacers ahead.
It was enough to get a win. Nembhard finished with 13 points, and the final score was 109-104. Indiana's preseason record improved to 2-2.
Hield led the Pacers with 20 points. Toppin was close behind with 17. Tyrese Haliburton (14 points and nine rebounds) also reached double figures. The Pacers next hit the court on Wednesday when they host the Washington Wizards. It's their first game of the 2023-24 regular season.
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