In a thrilling NBA playoff matchup, Tyrese Haliburton once again proved his critics wrong, leading the Indiana Pacers to a stunning 120-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 7, 2025. This victory not only marked the Pacers' second consecutive win in the series but also showcased Haliburton's ability to perform under pressure, as he hit a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining on the clock.
The Cavaliers, who were missing key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter due to injuries, started strong, dominating the first quarter and leading by as much as 20 points during the game. Donovan Mitchell was the standout performer for Cleveland, scoring an impressive 48 points, but his efforts were ultimately not enough to secure the win.
Despite a rocky start, where the Pacers struggled to find their rhythm and made several offensive errors, they rallied back in the second half. Haliburton, who was labeled as the most overrated player in the league by his peers, took control of the game in the final quarter, scoring 11 of his 19 points during this crucial period. His performance included the game-winning shot that sent the Pacers to a 2-0 series lead.
Haliburton's clutch moment came after he missed a free throw with 12.1 seconds left but managed to grab his own rebound. He quickly repositioned himself beyond the arc and nailed a step-back three-pointer that left the Cavaliers stunned. "I have all the confidence in the world to make these shots. My teammates and this coaching staff give me that confidence," Haliburton said in his post-game interview.
The Pacers had to overcome a significant deficit, trailing by 20 points at one stage. Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith also played pivotal roles in the comeback, each scoring 23 points, with Nesmith contributing crucial plays in the final moments, including seven points in the last quarter. Bennedict Mathurin added 19 points, while Andrew Nembhard provided a solid performance with 13 points and 13 assists.
In contrast, the Cavaliers' early dominance was fueled by Mitchell's explosive scoring, as he led the team with 12 points in the first quarter alone. However, as the game progressed, the Pacers began to exploit the Cavaliers' defensive lapses, particularly when Mitchell was on the bench.
The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when the Cavaliers, who had led by seven points with just under a minute to go, faltered. A couple of turnovers allowed the Pacers to chip away at the lead, and Haliburton's late-game heroics sealed the deal.
Head coach Rick Carlisle praised Haliburton’s performance, stating, "Ty hit an incredible shot that won the game. You don’t see something like that every day, much less twice in a week. Tyrese did it again." This victory marks the first time since 1994 that the Pacers have won the first two games of a playoff series on the road.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will host the Cavaliers for Game 3 on Friday, May 9, 2025, where Cleveland will be desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole—something that has never been overcome in NBA playoff history. The stakes are high as both teams prepare for what promises to be another intense battle.
The Cavaliers will need to regroup quickly, especially given the frustration expressed by Jarrett Allen, who noted, "They capitalized on all the mistakes we made." With their backs against the wall, Cleveland will look to bounce back and regain momentum at the Pacers' home court.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Haliburton and the Pacers as they aim to continue their impressive playoff run, while the Cavaliers will be eager to demonstrate their resilience and fight back in front of their home crowd.
In the end, this game was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NBA playoffs, where anything can happen, and where players like Haliburton can rise to the occasion when it matters most. This victory not only boosts the Pacers' confidence but also sets the tone for the remainder of the series.
