NBA, Sacramento Kings, Keegan Murray, Injury, Ankle Sprain
The Cleveland Cavaliers, battling through their own roster absences, rallied to hand the Indiana Pacers a franchise-record 13th consecutive loss with a 120-116 victory on Tuesday night.
Darius Garland led the charge for Cleveland, erupting for 14 of his game-high 29 points in the fourth quarter. His efforts keyed a decisive 13-point run that erased a nine-point deficit entering the final period and secured the Cavaliers' fourth win in five games.
The Cavaliers achieved this despite missing key personnel. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was rested, and sharpshooter Max Strus remains out for at least another month with a foot injury. The team also lost forward Dean Wade in the first half to a bruised knee. Evan Mobley contributed 20 points, while Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill (who hit six three-pointers) each added 19.
The loss was historically bitter for the Pacers, the defending Eastern Conference champions. Their 13-game skid is the longest in the franchise's NBA history and leaves them with the league's worst record at 6-31. They now sit one loss away from matching the Washington Wizards' 14-game streak for the longest in the league this season.
Pascal Siakam paced Indiana with 22 points, and Jay Huff matched his season high with 20 points, including four three-pointers. The Pacers were severely shorthanded, playing without Isaiah Jackson, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton due to injuries. Despite the absences, Indiana had a chance to force overtime in the final seconds but could not convert as the game ended with a series of free throws.
The defeat also postpones head coach Rick Carlisle's milestone 900th career victory. The Pacers will look to end their skid on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, while the Cavaliers face a tough test against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
