The Indiana Pacers relied on huge fourth-quarter comebacks to win their first two highway video games in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers within the second spherical of the NBA playoffs.
Of their decisive Sport 5 victory on Tuesday, the Pacers erased Cleveland’s huge lead early and dominated the second half.
The Pacers got here again from a 19-point deficit early within the second quarter to defeat — and eradicate — the top-seeded Cavaliers, 114-105.
For the primary 16 minutes of the sport, Cleveland led, 44-25. For the remaining 32 minutes, it was 96-69, Pacers.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way in which with 31 factors and 6 three-pointers. The 25-year-old All-Star shot 10-for-15, handed out eight assists and took management of the sport within the second quarter when the Cavs regarded able to blow out the Pacers.
As a substitute, Haliburton made 5 triples within the quarter, three of them from 30 ft or additional, because the Pacers closed to 4 factors by halftime.
Within the third quarter, Indiana locked down on protection, The Pacers took a commanding lead with a 21-2 run throughout a stretch the place they held the Cavaliers with no subject purpose for over seven minutes.
The run was punctuated by two dunks from Thomas Bryant, who gave Indiana 9 huge factors off the bench.
Donovan Mitchell scored 35 factors and shot a whopping 21 free throws however missed all three freebies late within the fourth quarter after being fouled on a three-point try. He and fellow All-Star guard Darius Garland, who was clearly restricted by a toe harm, mixed for less than six factors within the decisive third quarter.
The Cavaliers have extra All-Stars, together with Defensive Participant of the Yr Evan Mobley (24 factors in Sport 5), however the Pacers have a greater staff. They’d 26 assists to Cleveland’s 10, out-rebounded the a lot greater Cavs (due to 6-foot-6 Aaron Nesmith’s 13 boards) and had all 5 starters rating in double figures.
Cleveland was a giant favourite after a 64-18 season, however since Jan. 1, the Cavs have been solely a half-game higher than the Pacers, who have been quietly one of many NBA’s 4 greatest groups within the 2025 calendar yr behind solely the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the Boston Celtics and the Cavs.
The Pacers’ aptitude for last-minute comebacks can disguise what a stable, robust staff they’re. They’re 4-1 on the highway this postseason and received a Sport 7 in Madison Sq. Backyard in final yr’s second spherical.
Dropping as the highest seed is disappointing for the Cavaliers, however the Pacers proved that the result was no accident.
