Shorthanded Cavs beat even more shorthanded Pacers, 117-108
A gender reveal, nine missing players and two losses from guaranteeing the best lottery odds; what to know about Pacers loss to Cavs
All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and recorded six assists and six rebounds to lead the short-handed Cavaliers to a 117-108 win over the even more short-handed Pacers on Sunday at the Rocket Center in Cleveland. The Pacers -- who had nine players listed as out including all five of next year's likely starters -- fell to 18-60, losing 60 games for the first time since the 1984-85 season and just the third time in franchise history. They have the second-worst record in the NBA.
With four games remaining, they can win two and still finish in the NBA's bottom three and get the best possible lottery odds. The Cavaliers improved to 49-29 and sit in fourth in the Eastern Conference. Former MVP James Harden added 28 points and seven assists for the Cavaliers.
Former Pacers and Indiana University center Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers and guard Keon Ellis scored 13 points. Pacers center Micah Potter scored 21 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out four assists. Forward Obi Toppin had 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Forward Jalen Slawson had a career-high 19 points, six rebounds and two assists. Guard Quenton Jackson had 15 points, five rebounds and four assists. Forward Kobe Brown had 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
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