Despite a rocky performance overall, the Indiana Pacers managed to close out a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers to at least temporarily move them back into 9th in the Eastern Conference standings. The Pacers outscored Cleveland 58-42 in the second half, an advantage that wasn’t truly realized until the closing minutes.
Indiana appeared to be in business early, jumping out to a quick 10-point lead in the first quarter, but lackadaisical passing and a propensity for fouls allowed the Cavs to work themselves back into the game, erasing the lead and taking a 28-27 advantage into the second quarter.