The Indiana Pacers kicked off the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs with an exciting upset over the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 121-112 in Game 1 on Sunday.
The game was a nail-biter, with both teams trading leads. At one point, the Pacers were down 102-101, but Tyrese Haliburton took charge. He led the Pacers on a 15-4 run in the fourth quarter that secured the victory. Haliburton contributed significantly, scoring 22 points and dishing out 13 assists, while maintaining a strong defensive presence with three blocks and a steal.
Fans and former players couldn’t help but praise Haliburton’s outstanding performance. His play was a key factor in giving Indiana an impressive start to the series.
Andrew Nembhard also shined for the Pacers, leading the team with 23 points and hitting 70% of his shots, including five three-pointers. That long-range shooting made a big difference; the Pacers hit 52.8% of their three-point attempts, contrasting sharply with the Cavaliers’ struggles, as they only managed 23.7%.
On the other side, Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers had a game-high 33 points. However, he faced challenges beyond the arc, making just 1 of 11 three-point attempts.
With 13 lead changes throughout the game, it was a thrilling contest. As the Cavaliers prepare for Game 2 on Tuesday night, they’ll aim to bounce back, while the Pacers will look to build on their momentum and take a commanding series lead.
In recent NBA statistics, teams that win the first game of a playoff series have a higher chance of winning the series overall. This adds more significance to the Pacers’ victory, as they hope to leverage this advantage in their quest for the championship.
With fans actively discussing the game on social media, the excitement for Game 2 is palpable. Will the Cavaliers adapt and regroup, or will the Pacers continue their winning streak? Only time will tell.
For further insights on playoff statistics, check out the NBA’s official report here.