​Center Rienk Mast poured in 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while swingman Taevion Kinsey added 16 points to lift the Indiana Pacers to a 99-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Pavilion in Las Vegas on Friday, opening the NBA Summer League season for both teams. Forward Jalen Slawson contributed 15 points, six boards, five assists and five blocks for Indiana. Guard Taelon Peter scored 13, and forward Keion Brooks Jr. chipped in 11. For Cleveland, guard Meleek Thomas and forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin each scored 20, with guard Malakhi Branham adding 15.
The opening minutes were rough for both squads, as nerves and early shot difficulties led to a sluggish start. Cleveland held a 14-11 edge after the first period, aided by a few baskets from Mast, though Indiana otherwise struggled to find rhythm. The flow changed markedly in the middle quarters, as the Pacers tallied 64 points across the second and third periods and outscored the Cavaliers 32-15 in the third to seize a comfortable advantage heading into the final frame.
A key catalyst was the play of point guards Braden Smith and Yuki Kawamura, who operated together effectively despite their slender frames—Smith at 5-foot-10 and Kawamura at 5-foot-7. Their true value wasn’t just in scoring: their exceptional passing and transition pace helped energize the team and facilitate opportunities for teammates. Smith finished with five points on 1-for-8 shooting, including 1-for-5 from three, but contributed eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Kawamura totaled eight points on 3-for-5 shooting with four assists. Their impact extended beyond box score numbers, as assistant coach Johnny Carpenter noted that both players compelled everyone around them to move with greater urgency, keeping the Pacers organized and pushing the ball up and down the floor.
Mast, a Nebraska product in his second straight Summer League run, entered the night with modest fanfare after not being drafted. He stressed after the game that he’s not aiming to steal the spotlight from higher-profile draftees, choosing instead to contribute in whatever role he’s given. Yet Mast became the Pacers’ most reliable performer, jump-starting the offense when Indiana began slowly and closing out the win as Cleveland mounted a late charge.
Mast opened and closed Indiana’s offense, scoring the team’s first five points and seven of their first 11, finishing with 16 on 6-of-12 shooting. He connected on an early three and, despite finishing 1-for-6 from beyond the arc, did not miss a single other shot from the field. The Pacers’ balanced approach, complemented by Mast’s steady presence, helped them weather the Cavaliers’ late push and secure the win to start the Summer League slate on a positive note.