On Mother’s Day Sunday, the Indiana Pacers didn’t just win—they erased any doubt. Down 41? Not anymore. Up 41? That’s what happened at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Pacers stomped the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, turning halftime into history with an 80-39 lead—the largest in NBA playoff history, tied for the record. By the final buzzer, the scoreboard didn’t just reflect dominance; it screamed it. And Twitter? It exploded. #Down41 and #Up41 were trending nationwide. This wasn’t just a game. It was a statement.
The first 24 minutes felt like a nightmare for Cleveland fans. The Pacers didn’t just shoot well—they shot with terrifying precision. They made 17 of 25 three-pointers in the half. Their ball movement was surgical. Their defense? Suffocating. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s star, was held to just 4 points on 1-of-7 shooting before the break. The Cavaliers committed 13 turnovers. They looked lost, confused, outclassed. Meanwhile, T.J. McConnell orchestrated the chaos with 8 assists and relentless energy, while Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton combined for 34 points before intermission. TNT’s Ernie Johnson, stunned, kept repeating: "80-39 is your halftime score. That’s right, 80-39 is your halftime score." It wasn’t just a quote—it was a historical footnote being written live.
This series has been a rollercoaster. The Pacers won Game 1 in Cleveland, 121-112, then stole Game 2 in overtime, 120-119, on a last-second floater by Haliburton. The Cavaliers responded in Game 3 with a 126-104 rout in Cleveland, reminding everyone they still had fight. But Game 4? That was different. The Pacers didn’t just respond—they obliterated. The 41-point halftime lead tied the record set by the 1992 Los Angeles Lakers against the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. But unlike that game, where LA held on to win by 12, the Pacers didn’t ease up. They pushed. They extended. They made Cleveland’s bench look like a practice squad.
Indiana’s depth was the difference. Beyond Haliburton’s 21 points and 10 assists, and Siakam’s 24 points, it was the role players who turned this into a clinic. Aaron Nesmith hit five threes. Myles Turner blocked four shots and controlled the paint. Even Thomas Bryant, who scored just 5 points on 1-of-2 shooting, was a presence. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s lineup—led by Mitchell (28 points, 7 assists) and Evan Mobley (19 points, 11 rebounds)—couldn’t find rhythm. Dean Wade, Sam Merrill, and Chuma Okeke all played more than 20 minutes. None scored more than 8. The Cavaliers’ bench was outscored 58-19. That’s not a coaching mistake. That’s a collapse.
The series now shifts to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland for Game 5 on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The Cavaliers must win three straight to stay alive. No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-1 deficit in the conference semifinals since the 2020 Miami Heat over the Boston Celtics. And that was in a bubble. This is real. This is loud. This is Cleveland’s home court, yes—but the Pacers have the momentum, the confidence, and the record-setting swagger. If Cleveland loses Game 5, their season ends. No Game 6. No second chance.
The Pacers haven’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals since 2013. This team—built on speed, spacing, and unselfishness—is the most cohesive they’ve had in a decade. Haliburton is playing like an All-NBA point guard. Siakam has transformed from a former All-Star in Toronto to a true leader. And the front office? They pulled off a quiet masterstroke last offseason, trading for McConnell and Nesmith, two players who fit perfectly. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s core—Mitchell, Mobley, Allen—still feels like it’s searching for chemistry. They’re talented. But they’re not clicking. And now, with their backs against the wall, the pressure is crushing.
A 41-point halftime lead has only happened twice in NBA playoff history. The Pacers tied the record set by the 1992 Los Angeles Lakers against Portland. No team has ever opened a playoff game with such a margin and lost. The largest halftime lead in regular-season history is 52 points, but in the playoffs—where defense tightens and stakes rise—this is unprecedented.
Tyrese Haliburton led with 21 points and 10 assists, Pascal Siakam added 24 points and 7 rebounds, and T.J. McConnell delivered a near-perfect floor general performance: 13 points, 8 assists, 2 rebounds, and only 1 turnover. The Pacers had six players score in double figures, showcasing their depth and balanced attack.
Cleveland’s core—Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen—is still young and talented. But this loss exposes their lack of cohesion under pressure. Their bench was outplayed by Indiana’s second unit, and their defense collapsed. If they don’t fix their rotation and defensive communication, their window may close faster than expected.
They’re one win away from finding out. If they beat Cleveland, they’ll face either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Boston Celtics. Indiana’s speed, shooting, and ball movement match up well against both. Their biggest test? Containing Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jayson Tatum. But with this kind of momentum, they’re no longer underdogs—they’re contenders.
Cleveland’s defense was out of sync—switching late, rotating slowly, and over-helping. Meanwhile, Indiana’s offense was flawless: 61% shooting, 17 threes, and 22 assists. Haliburton and McConnell found open shooters consistently. The Cavaliers didn’t adjust at halftime. They didn’t even seem to try. It was a perfect storm of execution and mental breakdown.
Absolutely. The 2000-2004 Pacers teams had Reggie Miller and Jermaine O’Neal, but they lacked the offensive firepower and spacing this group has. This team shoots better, moves better, and plays with more freedom. If they close out Cleveland, they’ll be the most exciting Pacers team since the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals run—and possibly the best since the 1998 Finals team.
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