The Indiana Pacers achieved a surprising victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 121-112 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday night. The Pacers took control early, leading by 11 points at the end of the first quarter and maintaining their lead for the majority of the matchup. They built a 12-point advantage midway through the third quarter thanks to a three-pointer from Aaron Nesmith, prompting a rally from the Cavaliers.
Despite Cleveland’s attempts to close the gap and even take the lead, it was the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton who shone in the closing moments, leading Indiana on a decisive 20-10 run that included a crucial three-pointer and a significant defensive block. Haliburton delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 22 points, 13 assists, and three blocks. Indiana’s offense was bolstered by Andrew Nembhard, who led the team with 23 points, shooting five-of-six from beyond the arc.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle credited the team’s success to their aggression and effective shooting, emphasizing the need to remain in attack mode against the formidable Cavaliers. All five Pacers starters and Bennedict Mathurin off the bench contributed in double figures, showcasing a balanced offensive effort.
Despite the loss, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell broke a playoff record by scoring 33 points—the most for any player in their eighth consecutive series opener, surpassing Michael Jordan’s previous mark. However, Cleveland struggled with their three-point shooting, finishing just 9-of-38 from beyond the arc, which hindered their ability to generate offense.
The Cavaliers played without Darius Garland due to a toe injury but received solid contributions from Evan Mobley, who tallied a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Game 2 of the series is set for Tuesday in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will aim to bounce back from this setback.
The resilient effort from the Pacers not only highlights their potential as underdogs in the playoffs but also sets the stage for an intriguing continuation of the series. The NBA continues to showcase thrilling matchups, which could inspire hope and excitement among fans as teams fight for postseason glory.