Pacers Knock Out Top-Seeded Cavaliers with a 114-105 Win, Move on to Eastern Conference Finals

Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 2:35 am

Pacers Stun Cavaliers, Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

The Indiana Pacers are heading back to the Eastern Conference Finals! In a stunning upset, the fourth-seeded Pacers defeated the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 114-105 on Tuesday night, eliminating them in just five games. This marks the second consecutive year the Pacers have reached the conference finals.

Led by a stellar performance from Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 31 points, and a solid 21 points from Pascal Siakam, the Pacers overcame a significant early deficit. The Cavaliers, despite a valiant effort from Donovan Mitchell, who scored 35 points, and Evan Mobley, who contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds, couldn't maintain their momentum. Mitchell's performance was particularly noteworthy considering he was playing through a left ankle sprain.

The Pacers' victory was fueled by a remarkable comeback. They trailed by as much as 19 points in the first half but rallied, taking control after halftime. A dominant third quarter, where they outscored Cleveland and shot efficiently, proved to be the turning point. The Pacers won all three games in Cleveland's Rocket Arena, a feat not seen since 2005.

The Pacers now await the winner of the series between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. The Knicks currently lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday night in Boston. The Celtics swept the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals last year.

BNN's Perspective: The Pacers' victory is a testament to their resilience and the unpredictable nature of the playoffs. While the Cavaliers' early dominance suggested a different outcome, the Pacers' ability to adjust and execute their game plan, especially on the road, was impressive. This series highlights the importance of consistent performance and the impact of key injuries in determining playoff success.

Keywords: Pacers, Cavaliers, NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Finals, Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Cleveland, Indiana, Basketball, NBA, Playoffs, Game 5, Celtics, Knicks, Rocket Arena, Series, Win, Score, Points, Road Games, Upset

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