The Indiana Pacers secured a critical victory in their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-112 at Rocket Arena on Sunday. This win gave the Pacers a 1-0 lead in the series and snatched home-court advantage from the top-seeded Cavaliers, who were previously undefeated in the postseason after sweeping the Miami Heat in the first round.
The Pacers initially built on a six-point halftime lead and extended it to as much as 12 points in the third quarter. However, Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers responded with a 17-4 run, scoring 12 points during the quarter to bring the Cavaliers within two by the end of the period. A late three-pointer from Myles Turner ensured the Pacers retained the lead heading into the fourth quarter.
As the game progressed, the Pacers found their rhythm again, fueled by back-to-back 3-pointers from Andrew Nembhard, contributing to a decisive 13-2 run that created a comfortable lead. Although Mitchell recorded a remarkable 33 points along with five rebounds and four assists, he struggled from beyond the arc, making only one of eleven attempts. His scoring prowess did, however, set an NBA record for his eighth consecutive postseason Game 1 with at least 30 points, surpassing the mark previously held by Michael Jordan.
Cleveland’s offense faltered late in the game, largely due to the absence of Darius Garland, who was sidelined due to a sprained toe. Despite Evan Mobley contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds and Ty Jerome providing 21 points off the bench, Cleveland shot poorly overall, particularly from three-point range at just 23.7%.
For the Pacers, Nembhard led the scoring with 23 points, supported by Tyrese Haliburton’s 22 points and 13 rebounds. All five Pacers starters scored in double digits, showcasing a balanced offensive effort as they shot over 52% from both the field and beyond the arc.
The teams prepare for Game 2, scheduled for Tuesday night in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will be under pressure to rebound and avoid an early postseason exit after a strong season.
This victory serves as a statement from the Pacers, demonstrating their ability to compete against top teams in the playoffs, and sets a positive tone for their postseason hopes moving forward.