In a heartbreaking defeat to the Pacers, the Cavaliers failed to perform up to their expectations. The Cleveland Cavaliers appeared human against the Indiana Pacers for the first time this season, despite their apparent status as the NBA's gods. The Cavaliers struggled to find offensive consistency in their 108-93 defeat to the Pacers, as shots that would normally hit went wide.

However, the Cavaliers suffered a rare defeat as Indiana increased the pressure in the third quarter, defending Cleveland from baseline to baseline. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland combined for three of the Cavaliers' seven turnovers in the third quarter. Indiana scored 12 points off turnovers that quarter, including six easy scores as a result of those turnovers. The Pacers were able to control the game's final minutes because Indiana's pressure had disrupted Cavaliers’ offensive rhythm.