Cleveland fans, remember 2016? That epic NBA finals comeback is a flicker of hope for Cavaliers supporters facing a daunting 3-1 deficit against the Indiana Pacers. While it’s a tall order to overcome such odds, the Cavs did manage to defeat the legendary 73-win Warriors. So, can they battle back against the No. 4 seed Pacers? The journey is far from straightforward.

The Mitchell Injury: A Game-Changer?

Donovan Mitchell’s ankle injury sustained in Game 4 looms large over the Cavaliers' prospects. With an astonishing average of 41.3 points per game in this series, his presence is irreplaceable. Without him, the Cavs might find it nearly impossible to maintain momentum or secure victories. Statistically, in the regular season, the Cavs flourished with lineups minus Mitchell, outscoring rivals by 11.7 points per 100 possessions. However, this playoff series has revealed myriad issues.

Frustration Fuels Pressure on Key Players

Cleveland’s stars are limping under the weight of frustration. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter are all battling injuries, making the already tough playoff fight even harsher. Hunter’s aggressive shove on Bennedict Mathurin in Game 4 showcases the tension boiling over, shedding light on the mental battle Cleveland is facing. The Pacers have gotten into their heads, leading to rash decisions and careless fouls.

Shooting Woes: Luck or Skill?

In this series, shooting stats have taken a nosedive for the Cavs, spiraling down to 31% from their regular season average of 39.3%. Meanwhile, Indiana's shooting has surged, making nearly 45% of their shots. This discrepancy poses a significant challenge—especially since luck plays a crucial role in high-stakes matchups.

Close Games and Missed Opportunities

The intensity of the games reveals that this series isn’t one-sided. There were two blowouts, with both teams claiming one, but resourceful clutch performances by the Pacers have kept them ahead. Their 4-0 record in close games this postseason indicates a troubling trend for the Cavaliers, who have struggled to finish strong.

Room for Tactical Adjustments

Despite Cleveland's struggles, there's room for strategic shifts. The Pacers adjusted their lineup after Game 4, but Cleveland’s success with the Allen-Mobley duo in Game 3 suggests that they might need to reconsider quick changes to their game plan. Cleveland must also capitalize on Indiana's rebounding weaknesses to hope for a series resurgence.

Need for Offensive Creators

Even if Mitchell can play, the Cavs need more offensive firepower. Following a historically great offensive season against Miami, the current stagnation against the Pacers is puzzling. Players like Ty Jerome and Garland need to step up; otherwise, Cleveland could sink further into a hole.

Hope Remains: The Path Ahead for Cleveland

Cleveland still has two crucial home games to leverage their crowd’s energy, and if Mitchell is healthy enough to make a significant impact, there’s a glimmer of hope. The echoes of the 2016 comeback linger, but for now, the Cavaliers face an uphill battle filled with challenges. Can they orchestrate a miraculous turnaround? The next games will tell.