In a thrilling Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Indiana Pacers overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 120–119, taking a commanding 2–0 series lead. Tyrese Haliburton delivered a clutch performance, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, including a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining.
Key Performances
- Tyrese Haliburton: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and zero turnovers. His late-game heroics were pivotal in the Pacers’ comeback.
- Aaron Nesmith: 23 points, contributing significantly to the Pacers‘ offensive surge.
- Myles Turner: 23 points, providing a strong presence in the paint.
- Donovan Mitchell: Despite his 48-point performance, Mitchell’s efforts were not enough to secure the win for the Cavaliers.
Injury Concerns for Cavaliers
The Cavaliers were hampered by injuries to key players, including Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter. These absences were felt as Cleveland struggled to maintain their lead in the closing moments of the game.
What’s Next
The series now shifts to Indiana, where the Pacers will look to extend their lead in Game 3. The Cavaliers face a must-win situation to stay alive in the playoffs. With Haliburton’s resurgence and the Pacers’ resilience, the upcoming games promise to be highly competitive.
