In Game Cavs vs Pacers 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Pacers overcame a 20-point deficit and stunned the Cavs 120-119 on a Tyrese Haliburton 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left. Series now 2-0 for Indiana.
Background Context Cavs vs Pacers
After sweeping Miami in Round 1, the No. 4 Indiana Pacers surprised the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, winning 121-112 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Andrew Nembhard led Indiana with 23 points, while Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 22 points and 13 assists. Donovan Mitchell poured in 33 points for Cleveland, but the absence of Darius Garland hampered their offense.
Game 2 Recap
Cleveland held a seven-point lead with 58 seconds remaining and seemed poised to even the series at 1-1. Instead, a rapid Pacers surge—sparked by turnovers and clutch baskets—flipped momentum. Indiana outscored the Cavs 8-0 in the final 47.9 seconds, punctuated by Haliburton’s dramatic three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left, sealing a 120-119 victory and a 2-0 series advantage.
Haliburton’s Heroics
Tyrese Haliburton finished with 19 points, 11 in the fourth quarter, and displayed ice-cold composure after missing a late free throw. He grabbed his own rebound, dribbled to the top of the arc, and launched a step-back three over Ty Jerome—snapping the Cavs’ seven-point cushion in a flash. Haliburton’s clutch gene has been on full display all playoffs, and this moment only cements his reputation as one of the league’s premier closers.
Cavs’ Setbacks and Injuries
Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 48-point masterclass, Cleveland’s shorthanded roster showed cracks. All-Stars Evan Mobley (ankle) and Darius Garland (toe) remained sidelined, forcing Kenny Atkinson to rely on a depleted rotation. Late-game lapses—missed free throws, defensive miscues, and a critical turnover—compounded the Cavs’ woes.
Turning Point and L2M Insights
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report confirmed two missed lane-violation calls against Indiana that would have favored Cleveland in the final minute. However, Cleveland’s own defensive breakdowns and ball security issues proved more costly in the end. While officiating gaffes drew ire, the Cavs’ collapse ultimately stemmed from self-inflicted errors.
Series Outlook
With Indiana holding home-court advantage and a 2-0 lead, Game 3 in Indianapolis looms as a must-win for the Cavaliers. Cleveland must refocus its defense, tighten ball security, and hope for reinforcements in the injury report. Meanwhile, Rick Carlisle’s squad will look to build on their momentum and inch closer to an upset semifinals berth.
Authoritative Sources
- ESPN – in-depth recaps, advanced stats, and injury updates
- NBA.com – Cavs vs Pacers official game logs, Last Two Minute Reports, and multimedia highlights
- The Athletic – detailed breakdowns, player interviews, and expert analysis
- Cavs vs Pacers other details see more.
Cavs vs Pacers Total Match
The Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers have played 215 games in the regular season with 104 victories for the Cavaliers and 111 for the Pacers.