The Indiana Pacers opened their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign with a gritty 99–93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 11 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. Despite a late rally from Cleveland, the Pacers controlled the tempo for most of the contest and showcased the kind of defensive intensity and ball movement that summer league coaches hope to see from young rosters still finding their chemistry.

First Half Control

Indiana came out firing in the first quarter, building a double-digit lead behind sharp perimeter shooting and active hands on defense. The Pacers forced seven turnovers in the opening frame alone, converting them into fast-break points that kept the Cavaliers on their heels. By halftime, Indiana held a 52–42 advantage, with their bench outscoring Cleveland’s reserves 24–10.

Cleveland’s Third-Quarter Push

The Cavaliers adjusted after the break, tightening their pick-and-roll coverage and finding more rhythm on offense. A 12–2 run midway through the third quarter cut the deficit to three points, forcing Pacers head coach Jannero Pargo to call a timeout. Cleveland’s second-year guard Emoni Bates provided a spark with back-to-back jumpers, finishing the night with a team-high 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting.

Clutch Execution Down the Stretch

Indiana responded with poise. Rookie forward Jarace Walker, last year’s lottery pick now getting extended summer reps, scored eight of his 16 points in the final six minutes. His decisive three-pointer with 1:38 remaining extended the Pacers’ lead to 96–89 and essentially sealed the outcome. Walker also grabbed seven rebounds and added three assists, showing the versatility the front office hoped to see when they drafted him out of Houston.

Standout Performers

• Jarace Walker (IND): 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals. The second-year forward looked comfortable as a primary option and made winning plays on both ends.
• Ben Sheppard (IND): 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists. The guard from Belmont provided steady ball-handling and hit two clutch free throws with 22 seconds left.
• Emoni Bates (CLE): 19 points, 4 rebounds. Bates continued to show the scoring ability that made him a former five-star recruit, though he struggled with efficiency (7-of-15, 2-of-7 from three).
• Luke Travers (CLE): 12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks. The Australian forward was a defensive menace but couldn’t contain Walker in isolation late.

Key Storyline: Development Takes Center Stage

For the Pacers, this win matters less for the standings than for the confidence it builds among the young core. With NBA Summer League serving as a proving ground for roster spots and rotation roles, players like Walker and 2025 second-round pick Enrique Freeman (8 points, 9 rebounds) got meaningful minutes in high-leverage situations. Cleveland, meanwhile, will look to tighten its defensive rotations after allowing Indiana to shoot 48% from the floor.

Both teams return to action later this week in Las Vegas. The Pacers will face the Los Angeles Lakers on July 13, while the Cavaliers take on the Atlanta Hawks in a rematch of last summer’s consolation bracket thriller.