Cavaliers complete another huge comeback over Indiana

Cleveland Cavaliers roll to fourth straight victory

The Cleveland Cavaliers dug out of a deep hole to pull off another massive comeback against the Indiana Pacers to win, 120-113. Once again playing without their floor general Darius Garland, the Cavs struggled early but came right back to steal another one against their division rivals.

Just as in their previous meeting earlier in the week, the Cavaliers fell way behind early, this time trailing by as much as 21 points midway through the first half after Indiana went on an insane shooting spree where they drained 10 triples en route to 47 points in the opening quarter.

Cleveland’s newest transplant Caris LeVert partnered with big man Jarrett Allen to help lead the team against his former squad, each scoring with 22 markers to join five other Cavaliers players who tallied double-figures in another balanced offensive attack.

However, it was the team’s vaunted defense that ultimately won them this game, as the young squad kept grinding on both ends to slowly chip away the deficit. Still trailing by double-figures to open the final period, it wasn’t until the 4:06 mark when the Cavs took their first lead since the opening minutes following a triple from Rajon Rondo, who ended up with 17 points.

The Cavaliers’ defense stood their ground throughout the late comeback, limiting the Pacers to just 17 points in the final quarter to secure their fourth consecutive victory and their eighth of the last 10 contests.

The Cavs look to keep winning through to the All-Star Weekend

Cleveland’s bench duo of Kevin Love and Cedi Osman was also key, each tallying 14 points while sophomore guard Isaac Okoro, selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge alongside the Rookie of the Year candidate Evan Mobley, played another effective outing to add 10.

Despite not being named to the All-Star Game, Jarrett Allen continued his streak of double-doubles and will also remain in the city throughout the weekend as he joins Garland and Mobley in representing Cleveland in the revamped Skills Challenge.

It also might be wise for the team to continue resting Darius Garland in the upcoming bouts against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks, to rest his ailing back for his impending debut appearance in the All-Star Game at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

With their fourth straight win, the 35-21 Cleveland Cavaliers moved up to a tie for second place with the Chicago Bulls, just one game behind the top-seeded Miami Heat. They will have less than 24 hours turnaround, making a stop in Philadelphia before returning home for the All-Star Weekend.