Cavaliers Rally Past Pacers in Comeback Victory

Donovan Mitchell's 23-point second half leads Cavaliers to 117-108 win over short-handed Pacers

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:10am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with the players and court fragmented into abstract shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic energy and complexity of the game.The Cavaliers' comeback victory showcases their depth and resilience, with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden leading the charge in a game that defied simple narratives.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a slow start and a 12-point deficit in the first half to defeat the Indiana Pacers 117-108. Donovan Mitchell erupted for 23 of his game-high 38 points in the second half, leading the Cavaliers' comeback effort. James Harden also contributed 28 points and 7 assists for Cleveland, who rested their starting frontcourt of Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Sam Merrill.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers' ability to rally from a large deficit and win without their starting big men showcases the team's depth and resilience, which could be a key factor in their playoff push. Meanwhile, the short-handed Pacers, missing their top five scorers, displayed admirable fight in keeping the game competitive despite the personnel challenges.

The details

The Pacers jumped out to a 12-point lead in the first half, thanks in large part to strong performances from Jalen Slawson and Micah Potter. However, the Cavaliers stormed back in the second half, with Donovan Mitchell leading the charge. Mitchell scored 23 of his 38 points after halftime, while James Harden added 28 points and 7 assists. The Cavaliers' depth was also on display, as Thomas Bryant stepped up with a double-double in his first start of the season.

  • The Cavaliers trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half.
  • Donovan Mitchell scored 23 of his 38 points in the second half to lead the Cavaliers' comeback.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star guard who scored a game-high 38 points, including 23 in the second half, to lead his team's comeback victory.

James Harden

The veteran Cavaliers guard who contributed 28 points and 7 assists to the win.

Jalen Slawson

The Pacers forward who had a strong first half, helping his team build an early lead.

Micah Potter

The Pacers center who also played well in the first half, contributing to the team's early advantage.

Thomas Bryant

The Cavaliers center who stepped up with a double-double in his first start of the season.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to fight, even when facing adversity. This team has shown it can overcome obstacles and win tough games.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Guard

“I'm proud of the way our guys competed tonight, especially with so many key players out. This shows the character of our team.”

— Rick Carlisle, Pacers Head Coach

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs with their next game against the Atlanta Hawks.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' comeback victory showcases their depth, resilience, and the star power of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, making them a formidable playoff contender. Meanwhile, the short-handed Pacers' competitive performance highlights the team's character and the importance of roster depth in the NBA.