The Cleveland Cavaliers enter Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Indiana Pacers trailing 2-1 in a series that has exposed unexpected cracks in their typically rock-solid foundation. Despite dominating the regular season with a 64-18 record and earning the top seed in the East, the Cavaliers now find themselves in a must-win situation after dropping two straight games to a fast-paced, confident Indiana squad. Donovan Mitchell has been the engine of the offense, averaging over 28 points per game in the series and showcasing his trademark ability to create off the dribble and finish through contact. However, Cleveland’s heavy dependence on Mitchell to generate points and momentum has made their offense somewhat predictable, especially in late-game scenarios where the ball stagnates and off-ball movement wanes. Darius Garland has had productive stretches, but consistency from the secondary scoring options—particularly Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert—has been lacking. Mobley has contributed on the defensive end with rim protection and switchability, but Indiana’s spacing and motion have often drawn him away from the paint, allowing for offensive rebounding and interior scoring opportunities that the Pacers have repeatedly exploited. The Cavaliers’ defense, normally their strongest asset, has struggled to adapt to the speed and creativity of Indiana’s offense, which thrives on quick passes, early shot-clock looks, and misdirection.

Tyrese Haliburton has orchestrated with surgical precision, and Cleveland’s inability to disrupt his rhythm has put enormous strain on their perimeter defenders. Rebounding has also become a liability, with Indiana consistently outworking Cleveland on the glass—particularly on the offensive end where second-chance points have proven deflating. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff is under pressure to make meaningful adjustments, possibly by tightening the rotation, increasing minutes for defensive-minded players like Isaac Okoro, and experimenting with lineups that can better match Indiana’s pace. The Cavaliers must also get more out of their bench, which has been largely ineffective in this series and unable to sustain leads or provide energy during dry spells. If Cleveland hopes to even the series and regain control, they’ll need a collective effort: better ball movement, improved rebounding, tighter closeouts on shooters, and smarter situational play in the fourth quarter. The talent is there—this is a team that played with discipline and purpose all year—but now they must respond to adversity in a hostile road environment. Game 4 represents a defining moment for this Cavaliers group, not just in terms of playoff survival but in proving that their regular-season success was no fluke. A win resets the tone and turns the series into a best-of-three; a loss, and Cleveland returns home facing elimination with more questions than answers. The Cavaliers must channel their defensive identity, rally around Mitchell’s leadership, and show the grit and composure that made them the top seed in the first place.