
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Match Player Stats – Box Score, Top Scorers & Key Stats
The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a hard-fought 120-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers on January 6, 2026, completing a late rally that handed the Pacers their franchise-record 13th consecutive loss. The game showcased impressive individual performances from both sides, with key players stepping up during critical moments.
The matchup featured several high-scoring performances, particularly from Donovan Mitchell and Andrew Nembhard, who each finished with 32 points despite playing for opposing teams. Cleveland’s dominance in the fourth quarter proved decisive, as they outscored Indiana 36-23 to erase a deficit and claim the win.
What Was the Final Score and Who Won Cavaliers vs Pacers?
Key Game Insights
- Cleveland erased a deficit with a dominant fourth quarter performance (36-23)
- Indiana’s 13th consecutive loss set a new franchise record
- Both teams shot over 38% from three-point range
- The Pacers were missing four key players due to injuries
- Andrew Nembhard recorded a double-double with 32 points and 11 assists
- Jay Huff tied his season high with 20 points on efficient shooting
| Stat Category | Cleveland Cavaliers | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 120 | 116 |
| 3-Point Percentage | 38.5% (10-26) | 45.7% (16-35) |
| Top Scorer | Donovan Mitchell (32) | Andrew Nembhard (32) |
| Key Absences | — | Haliburton, Mathurin, Toppin, Jackson |
Full Player Stats and Box Score for Cavaliers vs Pacers
The box score from January 6 reveals balanced scoring from both teams, though Cleveland’s late-game execution made the difference. The Cavaliers spread their contributions across multiple players, while Indiana received strong performances from their starting lineup despite playing without several key contributors.
Points Leaders
Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including 4 of 11 from three-point range. He also contributed 6 of 8 from the free-throw line, demonstrating his ability to score in multiple ways. Andrew Nembhard matched Mitchell’s point total for Indiana, going 11 of 20 from the field with 7 of 7 at the charity stripe.
Jay Huff recorded 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 4 of 7 from beyond the arc, tying his season high. His performance came off the bench, providing crucial spacing for the Pacers’ offense.
Rebounds and Assists Breakdown
Andrew Nembhard’s 11 assists highlighted his playmaking ability, orchestrating the Pacers’ offense throughout the game. Team statistics indicate the Pacers averaged 10.3 rebounds per game, with 1.7 coming on the offensive end and 8.7 on the defensive glass. Cleveland’s rebounding numbers balanced their attack, though specific game totals were not fully available in the compiled statistics.
Top Performers and Key Player Stats in Cavs vs Pacers
Beyond the top scorers, several players made significant impacts on their team’s performance. Pascal Siakam contributed 22 points for Indiana, providing a secondary scoring option alongside Nembhard. His performance helped keep the Pacers competitive through three quarters before Cleveland’s fourth-quarter surge decided the outcome.
Highest Scorers
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers): 32 points, 11/22 FG, 6/8 FT, 4/11 3PT
- Andrew Nembhard (Pacers): 32 points, 11/20 FG, 7/7 FT, 3/5 3PT
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers): 22 points
- Jay Huff (Pacers): 20 points, 7/10 FG, 4/7 3PT
The Pacers played without four key players: Isaiah Jackson, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Tyrese Haliburton due to injuries. Their absences significantly affected Indiana’s rotation and contributed to the team’s continued struggles.
Standout Rebounders and Passers
Nembhard’s 11 assists represented the game’s top playmaking performance, showcasing his ability to create opportunities for teammates. The Pacers’ ball movement enabled their strong three-point shooting performance, converting 16 of 35 attempts from long range.
Quarter-by-Quarter and Detailed Stats Cavaliers vs Pacers
The game narrative changed significantly across quarters. While complete quarter-by-quarter breakdowns were not fully available, the fourth quarter proved decisive. Cleveland’s 36-23 advantage in the final period erased any hope of an Indiana comeback, demonstrating the Cavaliers’ ability to execute under pressure.
Shooting Percentages
Indiana actually held an edge in three-point shooting, converting 45.7% of their attempts compared to Cleveland’s 38.5%. However, the Cavaliers’ superior fourth-quarter execution and balanced scoring attack proved sufficient to secure the victory. Full field goal percentage details were not comprehensively available in the compiled data.
Game Momentum Shifts
The Pacers maintained competitiveness through three quarters but struggled defensively in the final period. Cleveland’s late rally transformed a close game into a four-point margin, reflecting the Cavaliers’ championship-level execution in clutch moments.
Complete quarter-by-quarter scoring details and full box score statistics were not available in the compiled research. Final score and top performer data reflect verified information from game summaries.
Recent Cavaliers vs Pacers Matchup History
The January 6 game continued a pattern of Cleveland dominance in the 2025-26 season series. Multiple matchups throughout the season demonstrated the Cavaliers’ upper hand against an injury-plagued Pacers squad. For more comprehensive sports matchup analysis, explore the Man United vs Sunderland – Head-to-Head Record and Stats resource.
- April 5, 2026: Cavaliers 117-108 Pacers — Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points, including 23 in the second half
- December 1, 2025: Cavaliers 135-119 Pacers — Mitchell recorded 43 points with 9 rebounds and 6 assists
- November 21, 2025: Cavaliers 120-109 Pacers — NBA Cup matchup with Mitchell and Garland leading Cleveland
- January 6, 2026: Cavaliers 120-116 Pacers — Latest encounter with late rally
- May 11, 2025: Pacers 129-109 Cavaliers — Playoff game where Indiana built a 41-point halftime lead
For additional sports coverage and live score tracking, visit our West Indies vs India – Live Scores and Match Results page.
Verified Stats and Notes
- Final score: Cavaliers 120, Pacers 116
- Cleveland won on January 6, 2026
- Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points
- Andrew Nembhard recorded 32 points and 11 assists
- Pacers’ 13th consecutive loss set franchise record
- Cleveland’s fourth quarter: 36-23
- Complete quarter-by-quarter scoring totals
- Full roster box score statistics
- Specific rebounds and steals data
- Individual player minutes played
Match Analysis and Context
The Cavaliers’ victory reinforced their position as a legitimate playoff contender, demonstrating resilience by overcoming a deficit against a shorthanded opponent. Cleveland’s balanced attack, led by Mitchell’s consistent scoring, offset Indiana’s surprising efficiency from three-point range.
For the Pacers, the loss marked another chapter in their challenging season, compounded by significant injuries to key players. Their ability to shoot 45.7% from three-point range suggested potential for better results if healthy, though the franchise’s 13-game losing streak indicated deeper structural issues requiring attention.
Sources and Official Data
The statistics and game details referenced in this article were compiled from official game summaries and box score reports. Sources include CBSSports.com game tracking data, USA Today Sports Data, and ESPN game coverage.
Additional game data was sourced from ESPN’s December 1 matchup coverage and historical playoff game records. The December 1 box score provided additional context for season series analysis.
Summary
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-116 on January 6, 2026, powered by Donovan Mitchell’s 32-point performance and a decisive 36-23 fourth quarter. Andrew Nembhard matched Mitchell’s scoring for Indiana while adding 11 assists, though the Pacers’ 13th consecutive loss reflected their challenging circumstances amid significant injuries. Cleveland’s victory extended their dominance in the season series, while maintaining playoff positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led in points during Cavaliers vs Pacers?
Donovan Mitchell and Andrew Nembhard each scored 32 points, with Mitchell leading Cleveland and Nembhard leading Indiana in the January 6, 2026 matchup.
What were the shooting percentages in the game?
The Pacers shot 45.7% from three-point range (16 of 35), while the Cavaliers converted 38.5% of their three-point attempts (10 of 26).
Did the game go into overtime?
No, the game ended in regulation with Cleveland winning 120-116 after outscoring Indiana 36-23 in the fourth quarter.
Who was the player of the game?
Donovan Mitchell earned recognition as the game’s top performer with 32 points, 11 of 22 shooting, and strong fourth-quarter contributions that helped Cleveland secure the victory.
Which players were missing due to injuries?
The Pacers were without Isaiah Jackson, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Tyrese Haliburton, significantly impacting their roster depth.
What was the significance of this game?
The victory marked the Pacers’ franchise-record 13th consecutive loss while solidifying Cleveland’s position as a playoff contender in the 2025-26 season.
How did the season series end?
Cleveland dominated the season series against Indiana in 2025-26, winning multiple matchups including a 135-119 victory on December 1 where Mitchell scored 43 points.