INDIANAPOLIS — Caris LeVert scored 22 points in his return to Indiana, and the Cleveland Cavaliers' defense strung together a strong fourth quarter to rally for a 120-113 victory over the Pacers Friday night.
The Cavs (35-21) have won five straight overall and snapped a three-game losing streak that dated to December 2018 at Indianapolis. Jarrett Allen had 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Kevin Love scored his 7,000th career point since joining Cleveland and finished with 14.
Tyrese Haliburton had 23 points and six assists in his Pacers debut. Indiana (19-38) led by as many as 21 after a 47-point burst in the first quarter, but shot just 33% from the field in the second half, compared to 54% for the Cavs.
Cleveland All-Star Darius Garland sat out for the fifth time in six games with a sore back. LeVert started in his place after coming off the bench two nights ago, and veteran Rajon Rondo had 17 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in a backup role.
Still third in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers will get set for a big matchup at third-seeded Philadelphia Saturday night. The 76ers acquired James Harden before Thursday's trade deadline, but the former NBA MVP is not expected to be available.
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