Indiana Pacers Stun Top-Seeded Cleveland Cavaliers to Reach Eastern Conference Finals
The Indiana Pacers have advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive year after a thrilling 114-105 victory over the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. The Pacers, fourth seeds in the playoffs, won the series 4-1, silencing the Cavaliers’ home crowd and sending shockwaves through the NBA.
According to a report by The Guardian, Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental in the Pacers’ success, scoring 31 points, while Pascal Siakam added 21 points to the tally. The Pacers’ win was a remarkable turnaround, as they rallied from a 19-point deficit in the first half to take control of the game after halftime. As The Guardian notes, "Indiana rallied from a 19-point deficit in the first half and took control after halftime as it won all three games at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena."
The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 35 points despite a sprained left ankle, fought hard to stay in the game. Evan Mobley added 24 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the Pacers’ strong performance. As The Guardian reports, "Cleveland stormed out to a 44-25 lead with 8:10 remaining in the second quarter before Indiana rallied."
The Pacers’ victory marks a significant milestone for the team, as they became the first team since the 2005 first-round series against Boston to win three road games in a playoff series. Conversely, the Cavaliers dropped three home games in a postseason series for the first time. As The Guardian comments, "It is the first time since a 2005 first-round series against Boston that the Pacers won three road games in a playoff series."
The Pacers will now await the winner of the series between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. The Knicks currently hold a 3-1 advantage in the series, with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday night in Boston. The Celtics swept the Pacers in the East finals last year, but this year’s team is looking to make a deep run in the playoffs.
In a post-game analysis, The Guardian noted that the Pacers’ third quarter was a key factor in their victory. The team shot 14 of 22 from the field, including four three-pointers, to take a 12-point lead going into the final 12 minutes. A 17-2 run over a five-minute span in the third quarter, led by Siakam’s eight points and Haliburton’s five, sealed the win for the Pacers. As The Guardian reports, "Indiana seized control with a 17-2 run over a five-minute span in the third when Siakam had eight points and Haliburton five. That was part of a 29-8 spurt that saw the Pacers take a 12-point lead late in the third."
The Pacers’ win was a testament to their resilience and determination. As The Guardian quotes, Mitchell’s three-pointer brought the Cavs within 106-103 with 1:27 remaining, but Indiana closed it out by scoring eight of the final 10 points. The Pacers’ victory was met with jubilation from the team and fans, as they celebrated their spot in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Indiana Pacers’ impressive performance has set them up for a potential deep run in the playoffs. With Haliburton and Siakam leading the charge, the team will look to build on their momentum and make a strong challenge for the championship.
Source: The Guardian – Indiana Pacers 114-105 Cleveland Cavaliers: NBA playoffs – as it happened
