Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell Scores 38 Points in Win Over Pacers

Mitchell's heroics lead Cavaliers to victory despite resting key starters

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:21am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting Donovan Mitchell driving to the hoop, his figure dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and excitement of the game.Donovan Mitchell's scoring explosion leads the Cavaliers to a statement win over the resilient Pacers.Cleveland Today

Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 117-108 win over the Indiana Pacers, despite the Cavaliers resting key starters like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Mitchell's efficient scoring performance and all-around contributions highlighted his growth as a leader and complete player, as the Cavaliers continue to establish themselves as a dark horse contender in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Why it matters

Mitchell's standout game showcases the Cavaliers' depth and resilience, as they were able to secure a victory over the struggling Pacers even while resting multiple starters. This performance cements Mitchell's status as an elite NBA player and suggests the Cavaliers have the makings of a true contender in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The details

Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points on 16-of-27 shooting, adding 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the Cavaliers to victory. Despite the Cavaliers resting key starters Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Mitchell's heroics allowed Cleveland to maintain control of the game and fend off a scrappy Pacers squad missing their top five scorers.

  • The game took place on April 11, 2026.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

The star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who scored 38 points to lead his team to victory.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center, who was rested for this game.

Evan Mobley

The Cavaliers' starting power forward, who was also rested for this game.

Jalen Slawson

A Pacers player who scored a career-high 19 points in the losing effort.

Pascal Siakam

The Pacers' top scorer, who was among the players missing from the lineup due to injury.

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What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to continue their strong play and secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, while the Pacers will aim to use this competitive performance as a building block for the future.

The takeaway

Donovan Mitchell's 38-point masterclass showcases his growth as a complete player and leader, cementing the Cavaliers' status as a dark horse contender in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Meanwhile, the Pacers' resilience in the face of adversity suggests a team with a bright future, despite their current struggles.