NBA Playoff Recap: Pacers and Warriors Secure Wins
The NBA playoffs continued on May 4, with the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors securing crucial wins. According to the NBA’s official website, the Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-112 in Game 1 of their second-round series.
The Pacers came out firing on all cylinders, dropping 36 points in the first quarter and having an 11-point lead after the first. Cleveland spent the remainder of the game battling back, at one point taking an 88-84 lead, but every time the Cavs made a run, Indiana answered. Ultimately, the Pacers secured a 121-112 victory, finishing the game on a 20-10 run.
According to the source, Donovan Mitchell was the game’s leading scorer, pouring in 33 points for his eighth straight series opener with 30-plus points, an NBA record. Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points, 13 assists, and three blocks, while Andrew Nembhard chipped in with 23 points.
In the Western Conference, the Warriors will move on to the second round of the NBA Playoffs with a 103-89 victory over the Rockets. Golden State only trailed for 13 seconds over the entirety of the game, which was late in the first quarter. Once they went back in front, they never relinquished the lead, getting out in front by as much as 15 early in the third quarter.
The Warriors’ Buddy Hield was phenomenal in the first half, while Stephen Curry was cold, then heated up down the stretch, finishing with a game-high 33 points and nine made triples. Curry only had three points at the break but scored 19 in the second half and secured a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Pacers and Cavaliers’ series will continue with Game 2, while the Warriors will face the Timberwolves in the second round. Today’s slate marked both a beginning and an end, as the Pacers’ and Cavaliers’ game was the first game of the day and the start of second-round action in the NBA Playoffs. The nightcap featured the final matchup of the first round when the Rockets hosted the Warriors in Game 7.
In related news, Evan Mobley was announced as the 2024-25 Kia Defensive Player of the Year back on April 24, but the Cavaliers hadn’t played a home game since. With them back in the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for their second-round series against the Pacers about to tip off, Mobley finally received his reward in front of the home crowd.
The Cavaliers could remain without Darius Garland (toe), who hasn’t played since Game 2 against Miami. In his absence, Sam Merrill will remain in the starting lineup for the Cavs. The Pacers will maintain their usual starting lineup, sending Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner to the floor first.
As noted by the NBA, Houston was down 3-1 in their series but fought back to tie its series with Golden State, setting up a win-or-go-home showdown for both squads. Houston took Game 5 on their floor in dominant fashion, then put forth a strong run in the fourth quarter that locked up a Game 6 victory.
The NBA playoffs are heating up, and fans can expect more thrilling matchups in the coming days. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on the playoffs.
In conclusion, the Pacers and Warriors have taken a significant step forward in the NBA playoffs, securing crucial wins in their respective series. As the playoffs continue, teams will need to dig deep and find the strength to overcome adversity and emerge victorious.
Key performers for the day included:
- Andrew Nembhard: 23 points (7-10 FGs), and six assists.
- Donovan Mitchell: 33 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
- Tyrese Haliburton: 22 points, 13 assists, and three blocks.
- Buddy Hield: 33 points, (12-15 FG, 9-11 3PT), three rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
- Stephen Curry: 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks.
These standout performances will be crucial for their teams as they move forward in the playoffs.
The NBA playoffs have something for everyone: thrilling matchups, standout performances, and the pursuit of the championship title.
Fans can expect more exciting games and storylines to unfold as the playoffs progress.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis on the NBA playoffs.
For more information on the NBA playoffs, visit the official NBA website.
Sources:
NBA’s Official Website.
