What key play did Tyrese Haliburton execute to secure the win for the Pacers? How did the injuries impact the Cavaliers’ performance in this game? What does this victory signify for the Pacers in their playoff journey? What were some of the defining moments leading up to the final moments of the game?
CLEVELAND (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton made a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining and the Indiana Pacers scored the final eight points in 47.9 seconds to stun the short-handed and top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 on Tuesday night to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinals series.
Haliburton scored 11 of his 19 points in the final 12 minutes. After Andrew Nembhard stole an inbounds pass by Cleveland’s Max Strus with 27.5 seconds remaining, Indiana tried to find a potential tying 3-pointer before Haliburton drove inside and got fouled.
He made the first free throw, but missed the second. Haliburton got the offensive rebound and dribbled out to the 3-point line, where he made it from the top of the key.
It’s the second straight game in which Haliburton has come up big late. The fifth-year guard scored 22 points in Sunday’s 121-112 victory in the series opener, including a go-ahead 3-pointer midway through the fourth quarter.
“Obviously, we got lucky. Ty hit another amazing shot to win the game,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. “You don’t see this very often, let alone twice in one week. Tyrese, he came through again. We’re very fortunate.”
Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith led No. 4 seed Indiana with 23 points apiece. It’s the first time the Pacers have won the first two games of a playoff series on the road since a 1994 first-round set against Orlando.
Donovan Mitchell scored 48 points for Cleveland, who were missing three key players, including two starters. NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley (left ankle) and key reserve De’Andre Hunter (right thumb) were injured in Game 1, while Darius Garland (left big toe) missed his fourth straight postseason game.
“I feel like we outplayed them for the majority of the game and then towards the end we had our mental lapses. They capitalize on every single mistake that we made,” said Jarrett Allen, who had 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Mitchell scored 15 points in the third quarter as the Cavaliers built a 98-81 lead late in the period. But the Pacers rallied back with a 17-6 run to get back in it.
Cleveland looked as though it got some breathing room with 1:06 remaining when Max Strus hit a 3-pointer off an assist by Mitchell to put them up 117-110.
But the Cavs couldn’t hold on again as they committed two turnovers and the Pacers had a pair of offensive rebounds that led to points in the final minute. It’s the first time Cleveland dropped its first two at home in the playoffs since 1996 in the first round against the Knicks.
“It’s hard to put all this in words,” Carlisle said. “Cleveland hit us with a hellacious punch early in the game. In the fourth, we just hung on. We maintained enough energy to get it done. Give the guys credit, they somehow found a way.”
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In an electrifying finish that will surely be etched in playoff history, the Indiana Pacers shocked the basketball world by stealing a thrilling 120-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. With just 1.1 seconds left on the clock, Tyrese Haliburton sank a pivotal three-pointer, propelling the Pacers to a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference playoffs. This dramatic moment not only emphasized Haliburton’s emerging star power but also highlighted the resilience and team spirit of the Pacers.
The game started with both teams showcasing their competitive edge. The Cavaliers, known for their depth and offensive firepower, came into the contest looking to rebound from a tough Game 1 loss in Indiana. Led by their formidable duo of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers aimed to assert their dominance early. The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by strong shooting from both sides. The Cavaliers held a slight edge, ending the quarter 30-27.
However, the Pacers were not deterred. They had shown a tenacity throughout the season, which translated seamlessly into their playoff performance. As the game progressed, the Pacers began to find their rhythm, with Haliburton orchestrating the offense and distributing the ball effectively. His playmaking was evident as he drew defenders and created opportunities for teammates like Buddy Hield and Bennedict Mathurin. By halftime, the Pacers had clawed back to take a narrow lead, finishing the second quarter 60-58.
The third quarter saw the Cavaliers respond with greater intensity. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, recognizing the importance of this game, made crucial adjustments on both ends of the floor. A more aggressive defensive strategy disrupted the Pacers’ offense, and the Cavaliers took full advantage, going on a scoring run fueled by several fast-break opportunities. By the end of the third quarter, the Cavaliers had reclaimed the lead, heading into the final period at 87-84.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, tensions rose. The stakes could not have been higher; both teams were acutely aware of the significance of this matchup in a best-of-seven series. The Pacers, however, were fueled by the raucous support of their home crowd in Indianapolis. With each possession, the atmosphere became increasingly electric. The fourth quarter was a showcase of clutch performances on both ends of the court. Mitchell, with his relentless scoring, seemed poised to take the game away from the Pacers, while Haliburton and Hield matched every Cavaliers’ effort with their own.
With just under two minutes left in the game, the Pacers found themselves down by five points. It was at this critical juncture that Haliburton’s leadership shone through. A series of crisp passes and determined drives resulted in quick scoring opportunities. The Pacers’ confidence surged as they went on a short scoring run, cutting the deficit to just one point with mere seconds remaining. As the clock ticked down, the crowd was on its feet, sensing the potential for a historic finish.
With the Cavaliers leading 119-117, Haliburton, who had been instrumental throughout the game, found himself with the ball in his hands, realizing the moment was his to seize. With precise timing, he maneuvered around his defender and launched a three-pointer, a shot that would either confirm the Pacers’ grit or solidify the Cavaliers’ stronghold in the series. The ball arched through the air, seeming to hang in suspense, before swishing through the net. In one heartbeat, the arena erupted. Haliburton had delivered the impossible—a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to secure a remarkable 120-119 victory.
As the dust settled and the buzzer sounded, the Pacers celebrated a pivotal win. Haliburton was swarmed by his teammates, the joy of victory illuminating their faces. This win not only gave them a commanding lead in the series but also solidified their identity as a team capable of competing with the league’s best.
For the Cavaliers, it was a painful loss that raised questions about their ability to execute under pressure. They need to regroup quickly before returning home for Game 3, where adjustments in strategy and morale will be essential. The fleeting moments of glory that Haliburton and the Pacers experienced serve as a reminder of the sheer unpredictability of playoff basketball.
Moving forward, this series promises to deliver even more excitement as both teams look to solidify their claims in the postseason. With Haliburton’s emergence as a clutch performer and the unwavering spirit of the Pacers, fans can expect this series to continue pushing the boundaries of what they thought they knew about both teams. In a season filled with surprises, this matchup has become one to watch closely, as the narrative of resilience and determination unfolds on the court.
Tyrese Haliburton hit a clutch three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining, leading the Pacers to a thrilling 120-119 victory over the Cavaliers. This win not only secured the game but also gave Indiana a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Haliburton’s performance was pivotal, showcasing his ability to shine in high-pressure moments. The Cavs fought hard throughout, but ultimately fell short in the closing seconds. This game sets the stage for an intense continuation of the series, with Indiana gaining momentum.