The Indiana Pacers stunned the NBA world by defeating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in back-to-back games to take a commanding 2–0 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. In Game 2, held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, the Pacers clinched a dramatic 120–119 victory thanks to a last-second three-pointer by Tyrese Haliburton.
📊 Game Highlights:
- Final Score: Pacers 120 – Cavaliers 119
- Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
- Tyrese Haliburton: 28 PTS | 11 AST | Game-winning 3PT with 1.1 seconds left
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavs): 34 PTS | 5 AST | 4 REB
The Cavaliers held a 7-point lead with under three minutes remaining, but Indiana stormed back behind Haliburton’s clutch playmaking and sharp perimeter shooting. The final possession saw Haliburton use a screen, create space at the top of the arc, and sink a deep three to silence the Cleveland crowd.
🔍 Underdog Momentum
Despite entering the series as underdogs, the Pacers have shown poise and confidence against the East’s No. 1 seed. Head coach Rick Carlisle credited the team’s ball movement and resilience:
“We came into this series with nothing to lose. These guys believe in each other, and that belief is turning into results.”
Indiana’s supporting cast, including Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner, stepped up again with double-digit scoring and key defensive stops.
🧠 Cleveland’s Challenge Ahead
The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, now face an uphill battle heading to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4. Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized the need to tighten late-game execution:
“We let this one slip. Now it’s about heart, focus, and playing our best basketball on the road.”
🗓️ Next Games:
- Game 3: May 10, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Game 4: May 12, same venue
- Series: Indiana leads 2–0 (best of 7)
A potential Cinderella run is brewing in Indiana — and fans are starting to believe.