Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers match player stats highlight a thrilling 120‑116 victory for the Cavaliers on January 6, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This game marked a franchise-record 13th consecutive loss for the Pacers while showcasing Cleveland’s depth and late-game resilience.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of team performance, player statistics, key moments, and critical insights for fans and NBA enthusiasts.
On January 6, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling 120‑116 game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers suffered a franchise-record 13th consecutive loss, while the Cavaliers showcased resilience and depth in a tightly contested matchup.
Table of Contents
Game Summary: Cavaliers vs. Pacers
Team Performance Comparison
Top Cavaliers Player Stats
Top Pacers Player Stats
Bench Impact and Rotation Analysis
Fourth-Quarter Breakdown
Turning Points and Key Plays
Rebounding, Assists & Advanced Metrics
Implications for Both Teams
Final Thoughts
1. Game Summary: Cavaliers vs. Pacers
Cleveland secured a hard-fought 120‑116 victory, overcoming a mid-game deficit with an explosive fourth-quarter performance. Darius Garland led the comeback, scoring 14 of his 29 points in the final period, providing the swing the Cavaliers needed.
The Pacers fought valiantly at home but were unable to stop their losing streak, which extended to 13 games.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Quarter | Cavaliers | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | 28 |
| 2 | 31 | 32 |
| 3 | 31 | 33 |
| 4 | 36 | 23 |
| Final | 120 | 116 |
Cleveland outshot Indiana 55.7% to 46.2% and out-rebounded them 57 to 43.
2. Team Performance Comparison
Cavaliers (CLE)
Field Goal Percentage: 55.7%
Three-Point Percentage: 38.5%
Rebounds: 57
Assists: 33
Turnovers: 19
Pacers (IND)
Field Goal Percentage: 46.2%
Three-Point Percentage: 45.7%
Rebounds: 43
Assists: 32
Turnovers: 11
Despite higher turnovers, Cleveland’s superior shooting efficiency and rebounding helped them overcome Indiana’s hot three-point shooting.
3. Top Cavaliers Player Stats
Darius Garland – PG
Points: 29
Assists: 6
Rebounds: 2
FG: 14‑23
Garland was the driving force behind Cleveland’s comeback, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Evan Mobley – PF/C
Points: 20
Rebounds: 6
Assists: 5
Mobley provided consistent offense and a presence on the boards.
Jarrett Allen – C
Points: 19
Rebounds: 12 (Double-Double)
Assists: 4
Allen’s interior scoring and rebounding were critical during tight stretches.
Sam Merrill – SG
Points: 19
Rebounds: 4
Merrill contributed high-efficiency shooting and spacing, hitting key shots when the Pacers applied pressure.
Note: Donovan Mitchell did not play, as the Cavaliers opted to rest him.
4. Top Pacers Player Stats
Pascal Siakam – PF
Points: 22
Rebounds: 4
Assists: 3
Siakam led Indiana with aggressive scoring and veteran leadership.
Jay Huff – C/PF
Points: 20
Rebounds: 2
Huff’s efficient scoring and spacing kept the Pacers in contention.
Andrew Nembhard – PG
Points: 15
Assists: 11 (Double-Double)
Nembhard orchestrated the offense, finishing with notable assists.
Johnny Furphy – SF
Rebounds: 11
Furphy’s hustle and rebounding were highlights for Indiana despite the loss.
5. Bench Impact and Rotation Analysis
Cleveland leaned on Sam Merrill and De’Andre Hunter for scoring balance. Indiana’s bench contributed points but couldn’t halt Cleveland’s late surge.
Cavaliers bench: multiple double-figure scorers
Pacers bench: maintained scoring but had defensive lapses
Depth was a major factor, with Cleveland’s role players stepping up in the fourth quarter.
6. Fourth-Quarter Breakdown
The fourth quarter was decisive:
Cavaliers outscored the Pacers 36‑23
Garland scored 14 of his 29 points during crunch time
A 13-point Cavs run secured the lead and eventually the win
Cleveland’s late-game execution proved the difference.
7. Turning Points and Key Plays
Garland’s late scoring burst
A key Cavs defensive stand in the final minutes
Rebounds and free throws by Jarrett Allen
Indiana’s small comeback attempts were thwarted by clutch Cavs shots
Momentum shifted decisively in favor of Cleveland in the final minutes.
8. Rebounding, Assists & Advanced Metrics
Rebounding
Cleveland: 57
Indiana: 43
Cleveland dominated the boards, creating multiple second-chance opportunities.
Assists
Cleveland: 33
Indiana: 32
Efficient ball movement led to high-percentage shots for the Cavs.
Shooting Efficiency
Cleveland FG%: 55.7%
Indiana FG%: 46.2%
Cleveland’s shot-making efficiency was a major factor in the win.
9. Implications for Both Teams
Cavaliers
Improved to 21‑17 on the season
Showed depth and resilience without Donovan Mitchell
Built momentum for upcoming games
Pacers
Record now 6‑31, enduring a franchise-record losing streak
Strong individual performances but team struggles continue
This game highlighted Cleveland’s resilience and Indiana’s ongoing challenges.
10. Final Thoughts
The Cavaliers vs Pacers matchup on January 6, 2026, was an exciting contest featuring clutch scoring, standout individual performances, and a thrilling fourth quarter.
Cleveland’s Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen shined, while Indiana’s Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard kept the game competitive.
This game underlines the Cavaliers’ depth and ability to execute under pressure, while the Pacers continue to search for consistency.
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FAQ – Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Match Player Stats
1. Who won the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers game on January 6, 2026?
The Cleveland Cavaliers won 120‑116 in a close game, thanks to a strong fourth-quarter performance.
2. Who was the top scorer for the Cavaliers?
Darius Garland led the team with 29 points, including 14 points in the fourth quarter.
3. Which Pacers player scored the most points?
Pascal Siakam scored 22 points and was the leading scorer for Indiana.
4. Did any player record a double-double in this game?
Yes, Jarrett Allen had a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Andrew Nembhard had a double-double with 15 points and 11 assists.
5. How did the Cavaliers perform in the fourth quarter?
Cleveland outscored Indiana 36‑23 in the fourth quarter, turning a tight game into a win.
6. Who provided key contributions off the Cavaliers’ bench?
Sam Merrill and De’Andre Hunter contributed multiple double-figure scores, keeping Cleveland ahead during critical stretches.
7. How did Donovan Mitchell perform in this game?
Donovan Mitchell did not play; the Cavaliers relied on Garland, Allen, and Mobley for scoring and leadership.
8. What were the shooting percentages for both teams?
Cleveland shot 55.7% from the field, while Indiana shot 46.2%, giving the Cavaliers an efficiency edge.
9. How many rebounds did each team have?
Cleveland had 57 rebounds, and Indiana had 43 rebounds, giving the Cavaliers more second-chance opportunities.
10. What were the team assist numbers?
The Cavaliers recorded 33 assists, while the Pacers had 32, showing similar ball movement for both teams.
11. Did any player have notable clutch moments?
Yes, Darius Garland scored 14 points in the fourth quarter and led several key plays that secured the win for Cleveland.
12. How did the Pacers’ losing streak continue?
The loss marked a franchise-record 13th consecutive loss for Indiana, extending their difficult season.
13. Which Cavaliers player was most effective defensively?
Jarrett Allen played a key defensive role, grabbing rebounds, protecting the rim, and contesting shots inside.
14. How did the Pacers attempt to stay in the game?
Indiana relied on Pascal Siakam’s scoring and Andrew Nembhard’s playmaking, but could not stop the Cavaliers’ late-game surge.
15. What was the significance of this game for the Cavaliers?
The win improved Cleveland’s record to 21‑17, showcasing the team’s depth and ability to perform without Donovan Mitchell.
16. Who led the Pacers in assists?
Andrew Nembhard led Indiana with 11 assists, effectively running the team’s offense.
17. Were there any notable rebounding performances?
Yes, Johnny Furphy grabbed 11 rebounds for Indiana, while Cleveland dominated overall with 57 total rebounds.
18. How did bench scoring compare between the teams?
Cleveland’s bench scored multiple double-digit points, while Indiana’s bench provided support but could not prevent the late collapse.
19. How did turnovers affect the game?
The Cavaliers had 19 turnovers, more than Indiana’s 11, but their shooting efficiency and rebounding offset the mistakes.
20. What were the key turning points in the game?
Cleveland’s fourth-quarter run, Garland’s clutch points, and Allen’s rebounds were the critical factors that swung the game in their favor.
