Intro
Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats from the January 6, 2026, NBA regular-season clash at Gainbridge Fieldhouse showcased one of the most exciting comebacks of the early 2026 season. The Cleveland Cavaliers, playing without star Donovan Mitchell (rested), rallied from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the struggling Indiana Pacers 120-116. This win handed Indiana their franchise-record 13th consecutive loss while boosting Cleveland’s momentum in the Eastern Conference standings.
Darius Garland delivered a superstar performance with 29 points, including a blistering 14 in the final quarter, fueling a decisive 13-point run that flipped the script. Evan Mobley added 20 points with versatile defense, Jarrett Allen dominated the boards with 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Sam Merrill’s sharpshooting (6-of-10 from three) kept Cleveland alive early. For the shorthanded Pacers—missing Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Isaiah Jackson—Pascal Siakam led with 22 points, Jay Huff tied his season high with 20, and Andrew Nembhard notched 15 points and 11 assists in a valiant effort. These Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats highlight efficiency, clutch execution, and the impact of depth in the modern NBA.
Quick Summary
The Cleveland Cavaliers mounted a furious comeback to defeat the Indiana Pacers 120-116 on January 6, 2026. Trailing by nine entering the fourth quarter, Cleveland outscored Indiana 36-23 in the final frame, powered by Darius Garland’s explosive scoring and team-wide defensive stops.
| Team | Final Score | Key Scorers | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3PT% | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 120 | Garland 29, Mobley 20, Allen 19, Merrill 19 | 48 | 33 | 55.7% | 38.5% | 19 |
| Indiana Pacers | 116 | Siakam 22, Huff 20, Nembhard 15 | 38-42 (approx.) | 25 (est.) | 46.2% | ~46% | Lower |
Key Players and Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers entered without Donovan Mitchell but leaned on a balanced core. Indiana, severely depleted by injuries, relied on veterans and role players.
Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup (approx.): Darius Garland (PG), Sam Merrill (SG), Dean Wade/others (SF), Evan Mobley (PF), Jarrett Allen (C). Bench contributions were crucial from reserves stepping up.
Indiana Pacers Starting Lineup (approx.): Andrew Nembhard (PG), Pascal Siakam (PF), Jay Huff (C/F), others filling gaps due to absences.
These lineups set the stage for a game where Garland’s leadership and Mobley’s two-way play proved decisive.
Match Details Breakdown
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | NBA Regular Season |
| Venue | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis |
| Attendance | ~17,000 (estimated based on typical mid-season crowds) |
| Referees | Not detailed in primary sources |
| Broadcast | NBA League Pass, local networks |
| Key Injuries | CLE: Mitchell (rest), Strus (foot), Wade limited; IND: Haliburton, Mathurin, Toppin, Jackson out |
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Pacers 28-22 Cavaliers Indiana jumped out aggressively with balanced scoring and hustle plays. Siakam and Nembhard set the tone early.
Second Quarter: Pacers 32-31 Cavaliers (Halftime: Pacers 60-53) Close exchanges; Pacers maintained a slim lead through efficient inside play and transition buckets.
Third Quarter: Pacers 33-31 Cavaliers (Entering Q4: Pacers 93-84) Indiana pushed the lead to nine with defensive stops and Huff’s hot shooting from deep.
Fourth Quarter: Cavaliers 36-23 Pacers The turning point. Garland erupted for 14 points, including key threes and drives. Cleveland’s defense tightened, forcing misses and turnovers.
This quarter-by-quarter shift underscores how momentum swung dramatically in the Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats.
Standout Performances & Detailed Player Stats
Here are the top individual contributions from the game:
Cleveland Cavaliers Standouts
- Darius Garland – 29 PTS (14-23 FG, 1-4 3PT), 6 AST, 2 REB. Garland’s 14 fourth-quarter points (on efficient midrange and drives) were the game’s defining performance. His 73.3% on midrange shots highlighted elite shot-making under pressure.
- Evan Mobley – 20 PTS (8-16 FG), 6 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK. Mobley’s two-way dominance anchored Cleveland’s defense while providing secondary scoring.
- Jarrett Allen – 19 PTS (8-13 FG), 12 REB. Allen’s double-double controlled the paint and second-chance opportunities.
- Sam Merrill – 19 PTS (6-12 FG, 6-10 3PT). Merrill’s hot hand from beyond the arc stretched Indiana’s defense.
Indiana Pacers Standouts
- Pascal Siakam – 22 PTS (9-23 FG), 4 REB. Siakam was Indiana’s most consistent scorer despite inefficiency.
- Jay Huff – 20 PTS (7-10 FG, 4-7 3PT). Huff tied his season high with sharp shooting off the bench/start.
- Andrew Nembhard – 15 PTS, 11 AST. Nembhard’s playmaking kept Indiana in it with smart decisions.
These detailed Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats show how individual brilliance decided a tight contest.
Performance Comparisons & Advanced Metrics
Shooting & Efficiency
| Category | Cavaliers | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| FG | 49-88 (55.7%) | 43-93 (46.2%) |
| 3PT | 10-26 (38.5%) | 16-35 (~46%) |
| FT | 12-18 (66.7%) | 14-19 (74%) |
| True Shooting % | ~62.6% | Lower due to volume |
Rebounding & Possession
Cleveland edged rebounds (48 vs. ~38-42) and assists (33 vs. ~25), but committed more turnovers (19). Pacers’ three-point volume kept them competitive.
Defensive Impact
Mobley and Allen combined for multiple blocks/steals, disrupting Indiana’s rhythm late.
Clutch Moments and Turning Points
The game’s defining sequence came in the fourth: Garland’s three-pointer and subsequent drives ignited a 13-0 or similar run. Merrill’s earlier threes prevented blowout concerns. Siakam’s late fadeaways and Huff’s attempts fell short against Cleveland’s tightened defense.
Play-by-play highlights included Garland’s floating jumpers and Allen’s putbacks. These moments encapsulate why the Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats favor Cleveland in crunch time.
Injury Impact and Team Context
Indiana’s absences (Haliburton out with injury) severely limited their playmaking and scoring punch. Cleveland’s depth shone without Mitchell, proving their roster versatility.
Historical Context & Head-to-Head Trends
Cleveland has dominated recent meetings (wins in prior 2025-26 games like 135-119, 120-109). This 120-116 win continued the trend of competitive but Cavaliers-favored outcomes.
Post-Game Implications
For Cleveland: Boosted confidence, improved to 21-17, positioned better for playoffs. For Indiana: Extended skid to 13 losses, highlighting rebuild needs around health and consistency.
Conclusion
The Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats from January 6, 2026, tell a story of resilience and execution. Cleveland’s comeback, led by Garland’s heroics and team balance, overcame early deficits to secure a vital road win. Indiana fought valiantly despite injuries but couldn’t close. Games like this remind fans why the NBA delivers nightly drama—individual stars shine, but depth and mentality win out. Keep watching for more thrilling Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers encounters this season.
FAQs
What was the final score in Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers on January 6, 2026?
Cleveland Cavaliers 120, Indiana Pacers 116.
Who led in scoring in Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats?
Darius Garland with 29 points for Cleveland.
How many points did Pascal Siakam score?
22 points for the Pacers.
What was special about Darius Garland’s performance?
He scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback.
Why did the Pacers lose this game?
Injuries to key players like Haliburton limited them, plus Cleveland’s late surge.
Read Also:
Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC lineups
East Bengal FC vs Chennaiyin FC lineups
Argentina national football team vs France national football team lineup
Mexico National Football Team Vs Uruguay National Football Team Lineups
Internacional Vs Mexico National Football Team Lineups
Portugal National Football Team Vs Spain National Football Team Lineups
