Overview
- Cleveland snapped a three-game slide with a 135-119 victory at Indiana, building an early double-digit lead and controlling the glass 48-36.
- Donovan Mitchell powered the win with 43 points on 16-of-27 shooting, adding nine rebounds and six assists in his third 40-point game of the season.
- One night after criticizing the team’s ‘cruise control’ mentality, Jaylon Tyson delivered 27 points and 11 rebounds on 10-of-13 shooting to set the tone.
- The Cavs were short-handed without Darius Garland (toe management), Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, Sam Merrill, Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr., as reserves Craig Porter Jr., Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Tyrese Proctor provided key minutes.
- Head coach Kenny Atkinson said he texted Mitchell to ‘go for 40’ before the game, reflecting a heightened emphasis on accountability as questions linger about effort and cohesion.