Pacers vs. Cavaliers: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Indiana Pacers (19-35) play against the Cleveland Cavaliers (21-21) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Game Time: 6:00 PM EST on Sunday February 6, 2022 Indiana Pacers 0, Cleveland Cavaliers 0 (Q1 10:02) What’s the buzz on Twitter? James Boyd @ …

The Indiana Pacers (19-35) play against the Cleveland Cavaliers (21-21) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Game Time: 6:00 PM EST on Sunday February 6, 2022

Indiana Pacers 0, Cleveland Cavaliers 0 (Q1 10:02)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Cavs just honored Bill Fitch, their first head coach in franchise history and the coach who opened the door for #Pacers coach Rick Carlisle to begin his career on the sidelines.
“He was the ultimate franchise builder and a wonderful man.” indystar.com/story/sports/n…6:11 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers starters:
— Keifer Sykes (instead of Caris LeVert)
— Chris Duarte
— Justin Holiday
— Torrey Craig
— Domantas Sabonis (back from COVID-19 protocols) indystar.com/story/sports/n…6:08 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
A moment of silence for an NBA legend and Hall-of-Famer.
RIP Coach Fitch ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/LNPaC6MUfu6:08 PM

Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
If Indiana got a first and two seconds for Caris LeVert, what’s an acceptable return for Sabonis?
Makes me wonder if a third team would be looped into any deal Washington is trying to pull off with IND in which the Pacers could receive more draft capital than WAS can offer. – 6:05 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
The Nets sent Caris LeVert & Jarrett Allen to Houston for James Harden last year to build a super team with Kevin Durant & Kyrie Irving. A year later, LeVert & Allen are reunited in Cleveland & the Cavs wouldn’t think of trading them to Brooklyn for Harden. – 5:57 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Erik Spoelstra is the East All-Star coach
Off to Cleveland along with Jimmy Butler
(This may or may not be their reaction) pic.twitter.com/JEFkfh2gV15:57 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Pending the result of tonight’s Pacers game against the Cavs, the top five teams in the East are now all within 1.5 games of each other after Philadelphia won today in Chicago. – 5:57 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
#Pacers look like they are going complete rebuild. – 5:56 PM
Indiana Pacers @Pacers
sunday hoops coming at ya 🙌 pic.twitter.com/5NJH8CY9qy5:55 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Built by Black History. #CavsBHC pic.twitter.com/HPYiNruzLY5:53 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
No one cares, and it’s basically unusable, but the Cavs will create a $300K Traded Player Exception in the LeVert-Rubio trade.
No judgement please. This is who I am, ok? 😂 – 5:42 PM
Indiana Pacers @Pacers
tonight’s @MotorolaUS starting 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/r5BSWivjv95:41 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Pacers trade Caris LeVert to Cavaliers for Rubio, first-round pick, two seconds nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/06/rep…5:41 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Full details on Cleveland acquiring Caris LeVert in a trade with Indiana: es.pn/3Hz1VVZ5:32 PM
Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
In a 113-87 win against the Mavericks in the season opener on 10/21, Trae Young dished out 14 assists – the most assists by a Hawk in a season-opening contest since Mookie Blaylock recorded 16 assists in the 1993-94 season opener against Indiana. – 5:30 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
The timing of this trade is so funny to me. The Pacers can make the first round draft pick that they *just* acquired better by beating Cleveland tonight. Would hurt their own, though. – 5:27 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Most career assists to Jarrett Allen (AST per 36 min. on the floor together)…
1. Dinwiddie: 201 (2.4)
2. Garland: 156 (2.8)
3. LeVert: 146 (2.2)
4. Russell: 135 (2.2)
5. Harris: 100 (0.8
6. Sexton: 50 (1.4)
7. Rubio: 42 (3.2) – 5:25 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Sunday’s starting squad! #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/WedPk7ytUj5:22 PM

Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Domantas Sabonis has cleared protocols after six days and will play tonight in Cleveland.
That also means Reggie Perry, who was signed to a 10-day hardship deal, is not available to play.
Goga Bitadze is also back from a foot injury. – 5:21 PM
Indiana Pacers @Pacers
Domas & Goga are 🔙 tonight. pic.twitter.com/r11Xojrcc45:21 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Did the Pacers get more for Caris LeVert than the Blazers got for Norman Powell AND Robert Covington?
It was less salary to take on for LeVert, but I don’t consider Powell’s deal to be a bad one.
Maybe Portland really loves Keon Johnson? – 5:18 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
If the Pacers clear the deck, they can get to over $20M in cap space this summer.
And that’s before factoring in any kind of Sabonis and/or Turner deals.
Not bad! – 5:13 PM
Indiana Pacers @Pacers
Injury Report for tonight’s game in Cleveland (1/2):
Domantas Sabonis – Available (health & safety protocols)
Goga Bitadze – Available (sore right foot)
Malcolm Brogdon – Out (right Achilles)
Isaiah Jackson – Out (right ankle sprain)
Caris LeVert – Out (trade pending) pic.twitter.com/wub1cCeik15:13 PM

Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
#Cavs Darius Garland is OUT today against Indiana, sources tell @clevelanddotcom5:10 PM
Serena Winters @SerenaWinters
#Cavs update:
Darius Garland (lower back soreness) will be OUT again tonight. – 5:10 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Say something about the Caris LeVert trade. – 5:05 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Here at @RMFieldHouse for #CavsPacers?
Stop by our Social Zone outside Portal 11 to vote on JA’s Top Drive driven by @Goodyear and score a FREE shirt!
#LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/TKCoRqbwBU5:05 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
The Raptors angle on the Cavs-Indy swap for Rubio/Lavert is that Cleveland could compete well with Raptors package of Dragic and first in search for quality wings/playmakers. With Cavs out of the market Raptors position likely a little stronger. – 5:04 PM
Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Reports: #Cavaliers will send Ricky Rubio, draft picks to #Pacers for Caris LeVert beaconjournal.com/story/sports/p… via @beaconjournal5:02 PM
Mary Schmitt Boyer/Jodie Valade @PDcavsinsider
The #Cavs have agreed to acquire Indiana Pacers swingman Caris LeVert in exchange for Ricky Rubio, Cleveland’s lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, and a pair of second-rounders, sources tell cleveland.com. trib.al/LP8vlby5:01 PM
Jon Hamm @JonMHamm
Well it took a couple of years but the Pacers finally landed Ricky Rubio… – 5:00 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
The vibes are high 😁 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/YxmFbXgVDP4:57 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I hope Rubio makes his way back to Cleveland this offseason, by the way. – 4:57 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
BREAKING: Pacers acquiring Ricky Rubio #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13…4:56 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
How far can the Cavs go in the playoffs after adding Caris LeVert? – 4:56 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Right now, anything that helps these nine East teams could help the Rockets: Chicago, Milwaukee, Miami, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Toronto, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta. If six of them finish ahead of Brooklyn, there is a slim chance that the Nets could end up in the lottery. – 4:55 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers trade Caris LeVert to Cavs for Ricky Rubio, draft picks, per report indystar.com/story/sports/n… via @indystar4:55 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Financial ramifications for 2022/23:
Cleveland: $125.5M in total salary (tax is $147M)
* C. Sexton is a RFA
Indiana: $94.6M in salary ($26M below the cap)
The Pacers join Detroit, Orlando and San Antonio as teams with significant room in the offseason. – 4:54 PM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
It will be interesting to see how the Cavaliers proceed with Collin Sexton now that they have LeVert. They’re now projected to be $21.4M under the luxury tax going into the offseason with 12 players. Unclear what his market will look like, but I think there’s room for a return. – 4:54 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Rick Carlisle said that Caris LeVert was preparing to play tonight before getting the news about the trade not too long ago. #Pacers4:52 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
#Cavs to acquire Caris LeVert from Indiana Pacers
cleveland.com/cavs/2022/02/c…4:52 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Just got off a game broadcast. Caris LeVert was going to get dealt — and he has been to the Cavaliers, a return to his home state.
Ricky Rubio, who was so close to becoming a Pacer in 2019, is part of the deal – an expring contract. He’s out for the season with a left ACL tear. – 4:52 PM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
This season, Caris LeVert ranks in the top-10 in points per game on drives per NBA.com.
As a team, the Cavaliers rank 29th in scoring on drives, ahead of only the Nuggets. – 4:51 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Love that trade for both the Cavs and Pacers – 4:51 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Goga Bitadze (right foot) is IN tonight, per Rick Carlisle. #Pacers4:50 PM
Serena Winters @SerenaWinters
Rick Carlisle on Caris LeVert:
“First class human being, first class professional, tremendous player, and a guy that I’m going to miss working with everyday.” – 4:49 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
LeVert had become less of a creator and more of a self starter this season. Sometimes plugged the Pacers in a way that didn’t work perfectly, even though he’s talented.
Pacers get two top-35 picks in the next draft for him and free up playing time for Duarte and Washington.(1/2) – 4:48 PM
Indiana Pacers @Pacers
Domantas Sabonis (health & safety protocols) and Goga Bitadze (sore right foot) are available tonight, per head coach Rick Carlisle.
Malcolm Brogdon (right Achilles) is out. – 4:47 PM
Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
Cavs and Pacers jumped in and stole this trade. pic.twitter.com/LqiZ1TCPUs4:46 PM

Tony East @TEastNBA
Goga Bitadze and Domantas Sabonis are available for the Pacers tonight, Rick Carlisle says. – 4:46 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Malcolm Brogdon (right Achilles) is OUT tonight, per Rick Carlisle. Domantas Sabonis (COVID-19 protocols) is back. #Pacers4:46 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
New Cavs starting five:
Darius Garland
Caris LeVert
Lauri Markkanen
Evan Mobley
Jarrett Allen
LeVert is averaging 18.7 points this season. He had 42 on Friday. pic.twitter.com/jpyCmI92oJ4:43 PM

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Rick Carlisle says the deal was at “the 1-yard line” and that the #Pacers front office was forthcoming about the news. Spoke to LeVert about the deal about “17-18 minutes ago.” – 4:41 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
Cleveland Cavs have a nice, young and talented core and will get out from Kevin Love’s deal soon. Can also use Sexton as trade bait when he gets back healthy.
Darius Garland: 22
Evan Mobley: 20
Jarrett Allen: 23
Lauri Markkanen: 24
Caris LeVert: 27
Isaac Okoro: 21 – 4:41 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Rick Carlisle confirms the Caris LeVert trade has been agreed to in principal. “Caris has been a tremendous man to work with,” he says.
Carlsile says he informed Caris a trade was likely earlier today. – 4:41 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
Cavs culture is too good for the Caris LeVert trade not to work. – 4:40 PM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
Rick Carlisle says Cavs-Pacers trade for LeVert has been agreed to in principle. – 4:40 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Rick Carlisle confirms the trade. #Pacers4:40 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I bet Ricky Rubio re-signs with the Cavs this summer. Because his contract is expiring, he’ll be eligible to go back to Cleveland, despite just being traded. – 4:38 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
Cavs should give Ricky Rubio a 😉 😉 and sign him this summer. – 4:37 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Small note: Caris LeVert expires after next season, so Cleveland’s projected max cap space for the 2023 offseason remains intact. – 4:37 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
LeVert is thrilled with the chance to return to his Ohio home and join an emerging contender with Cavs. He gives Cleveland a significant wing player who’ll be eligible for an extension this summer. Pacers get Cavs first-round pick and a Houston second that’ll be in low 30’s. – 4:35 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Cavs trading a protected first and two seconds along with an expiring contract for Caris LeVert takes a team with a need for Eric Gordon out of a potential mix. But it also might help set a price. Also, might signal Pacers are open for business to teams chasing one of their bigs. – 4:35 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Have to assume the Cavs will now look to part with Collin Sexton. Could allow a shrewd team to scoop him up at a significant discount – 4:35 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Cavs recouping a second in the deal makes it even better for them.
They can hand LeVert the keys to the second unit and let him cook. Their offense drops off when they go to the bench backcourt. LeVert can be inefficient, but major upgrade over what Cleveland currently has. – 4:35 PM
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Huge move for Cavs getting Caris Levert. Cleveland is already fourth in East, 11 games over .500 – 4:35 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Not just because of last night, but seeing Charlotte in the first round if you’re Miami is best case scenario
Play a team you can get to your spots offensively, plus can switch everything
Cleveland and Toronto will be able to stretch that series out just due to length – 4:34 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Full trade: Indiana sends Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick via Miami to Cleveland for Ricky Rubio, lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick via Houston and a 2027 second-round pick via Utah, per sources. – 4:32 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The Pacers are weird in that almost every time they make a move, I think “yea, good deal,” but then I look at the whole and it’s just so uninspiring. – 4:32 PM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
Caris LeVert just walked into the arena in Cleveland, having just been told he was traded to the Cavaliers. He’s in the Pacers’ locker room now, talking on the phone to his new president of basketball ops, Koby Altman – 4:32 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I’m going to keep saying this over and over again: it seems like there’s an opportunity to acquire Collin Sexton for a discount, and I would absolutely be trying to do that because he’s a much better player than his circumstances have allowed him to prove. – 4:31 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Sources: The Pacers are trading Caris LeVert to the Cavaliers for Ricky Rubio, a first-round pick and two second-round picks. – 4:31 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
#Cavs are acquiring Caris LeVert from Indiana in exchange for Cleveland’s lottery-protected first round pick in 2022, Houston’s second-round pick in 2022 that Cleveland owned and a future second-round pick, sources tell @clevelanddotcom4:31 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
If you watch @FrontOfficeShow, you know I’ve been saying LeVert to the Cavs for months now. Basically since Collin Sexton went down. My guy @Trevor_Lane can back me up.
Pending what the Cavs gave up, this is a chance to be a homerun deal for them. – 4:29 PM
Synergy Sports Tech @SynergySST
Caris LeVert has shot an eFG% of 51% playing out of ball screens and 58% in catch and shoot situations this season. – 4:29 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I don’t think there are too many teams that should make a major investment in Caris LeVert, but Cleveland would be one of them. I like the addition. – 4:29 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers guard Caris LeVert is being traded to the #Cavs per @Adrian Wojnarowski. – 4:27 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Cleveland is acquiring Caris LeVert in a trade, sources tell ESPN. – 4:26 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Cavs All-Star Darius Garland is a game-time decision tonight against the #Pacers. – 4:20 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
I’m pretty sure Billy Donovan isn’t thinking “if we win this game, I get to go to Cleveland for four days as the all-star game caretaker coach” but I can’t be 100 per cent sure – 4:06 PM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
LeBron, back on the side of the arena in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/NvuJkxwVoM3:41 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Ready to clock in. #MoreDriven pic.twitter.com/IE6Wrwt3Tr3:40 PM

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Toronto Raptors All-Star Fred VanVleet has committed to the Three-Point Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. – 3:32 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
The only time I listened to Joe Rogan was when he had Liz Phair on to talk about the 20th anniversary of Exile in Guyville and they got high and talked about life on other planets and even that was kind of boring and I was driving to Cleveland. – 2:37 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Ending our weekend with some hoops!
🆚 @Indiana Pacers
🕕 6:00PM ET
📺 @BallySportsCLE
@betwayusa | #GetItLocked pic.twitter.com/agR3KBb4xy2:30 PM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
The Toronto Raptors are looking to add a center and they have expressed interest in Jakob Poeltl, Myles Turner, Robert Williams, Nicolas Claxton and Jusuf Nurkic, according to @Michael Scotto. basketballnews.com/stories/raptor…1:13 PM
Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
Warriors rookies Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody weren’t included in the 2022 edition of the Rising Stars Game at All-Star weekend in Cleveland. warriorswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/05/war…1:00 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
#FROHIO erupted for a career-high 29 points and 22 rebounds in Charlotte 😤
@KeyBank | #LetEmKnow1:00 PM