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41-point 3-time massacre creates history! The Cavaliers core injury retreats to the turning point of the series

11:28am, 16 May 2025【Basketball】

On May 12, the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals G4 staged an epic tragedy - the Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 129-109 at home, leading 41 points in the first half to set a record in the playoffs! Turner made 4 of 4 three-pointers and contributed 20+7+3 to dominate offense and defense, while the Cavaliers core Mitchell retreated from injury and made Cleveland even worse.

The first quarter of the referee's controversial expulsion of Matherin caused anger among home fans. This accident completely activated the Pacers' fighting spirit, and Turner led the team to a 38-23 first quarter offensive, with a three-point shooting percentage of up to 70%.

The Pacers all in the second quarter transformed into "three-point machine" and scored another 42 points in a single quarter, setting a new team record for 80 points in the first half. The Cavaliers' defense is in vain, with the team only scoring 8 sports goals in halftime, setting the most shameful data in the NBA playoffs. During the intermission, Mitchell suddenly felt uncomfortable in his calf during the unconfrontation. After this core player who averaged 29.6 points per game was absent, the Cavaliers' offensive and defensive system completely collapsed, and the score difference in the third quarter reached 44 points.

Turner used 4 three-pointers to tear the Cavaliers' joint defense, 7 rebounds and 3 assists to show his ability to respond, and his "Trailer Three-pointer" tactic became a killer move to crack the Cavaliers' slow retreat. Halliburton turned into the commander and sent 5 assists, with bench Sitomping and McConaughey scoring 33 points together. The Pacers scored 56-34 with fast breaks, confirming that "defensive counterattack is the king of playoffs." The disadvantages of over-reliance on Mitchell's singles are emerging, and Garland-39's plus-negative value is the worst in his career. The inside double tower Mobley + Allen scored a total of 14 points, but was beaten by Turner alone. Historical data shows that only 13 teams in the NBA can reverse when they are behind 1-3. If the Cavaliers want to create miracles, they must solve three major problems: activate the shooter group such as Struth, improve the speed of retreat and reshape their psychological resilience. The opportunity to touch the floor of the Eastern Conference for the first time since 1998 is near. If the team continues to hit 45.2% of three-pointers, it is expected to become the first dark horse to eliminate the top spot in the division.

"The number one in the Eastern Conference is actually the regular season bubble! " and "Turner is worth 50 million annual salary!" and other topics triggered social platforms. Experts pointed out that the Cavaliers' winning rate against the playoff team this season is only 42%, while the Pacers have a 58%, and their tough ability is immediately judged.

❓Do you think Mitchell's battle with injury can change the situation?

❓Can the Pacers replicate the glorious history of the 1998 team?

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