What's happened
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-105 on May 13, 2025, securing their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 31 points, while the Cavaliers struggled despite a late-game push.
What's behind the headline?
Key Takeaways:
- Dominance in the Second Half: The Pacers outscored the Cavaliers 62-49 in the second half, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
- Star Performance: Tyrese Haliburton's 31 points were pivotal, highlighting his role as a leader for the Pacers.
- Historical Context: This victory sets up a potential rematch with the New York Knicks in the conference finals, a matchup not seen in 25 years.
- Cavaliers' Struggles: Despite being the top seed, the Cavaliers have struggled against the Pacers, raising questions about their playoff resilience.
Future Implications:
- Potential Rematch: If the Knicks defeat the Celtics, the Pacers will face a familiar rival, which could reignite old rivalries and attract significant viewership.
- Cleveland's Outlook: The Cavaliers must reassess their strategy moving forward, especially in high-stakes games, to avoid similar outcomes in future playoffs.
What the papers say
According to the NY Post, the Pacers' victory was marked by a strong second half, with Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge. The article notes, 'Indiana outscored the top-seeded Cavaliers 62-49 in the second half,' emphasizing their late-game performance. In contrast, Business Insider UK highlighted the Cavaliers' struggles despite their regular-season success, stating, 'the Cavs have had a rough go so far this round.' This juxtaposition illustrates the unexpected dynamics of the series, with the Pacers capitalizing on their momentum while the Cavaliers falter under pressure.
How we got here
The Pacers faced the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals after a surprising playoff run. Indiana won the first two games on Cleveland's home court, while the Cavaliers managed a win in Game 3. The Pacers' victory in Game 4 set the stage for their advancement.
Go deeper
- What are the chances of a Pacers-Knicks rematch?
- How did Tyrese Haliburton perform in the playoffs?
- What went wrong for the Cavaliers this series?
Common question
More on these topics
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The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland. The Cavaliers compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division.
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The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division.