The Cavs improved to 34-5 and hold the NBA's best record. Cavaliers guard Darius Garland added 24 points and seven assists. Forward Evan Mobley had 22 points and 13 rebounds and center Jarrett Allen had 16 points and nine rebounds.

Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and Bennedict Mathurin 19 for the Pacers, who had their six-game winning streak halted. Myles Turned added 17 points. The Cavaliers led 82-77 in the third quarter before going on a 10-0 run that included 3-pointers by Max Strus, Georges Niang and Mobley. Cleveland led 100-89 after three periods.

The Pacers are undefeated in 2025, winning all six January games. The biggest change we’ve seen is a much-improved defense. Indiana had been a below-average defensive unit this season, with a defensive rating of 114 (20th in the NBA) and allowing 114.9 points per game (21st) to opponents.