For the second season in a row, the Indiana Pacers have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
They were up 3-1 as they matched up against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 on Tuesday and despite being on the road, secured a 114-105 victory.
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Both teams got out to a slow start early, but the Cavs’ offense gained some steam as the 1st quarter progressed and they outscored Indiana 31-19 in the opening frame.
The Pacers’ fast paced offense recovered well in the second quarter and cut Cleveland’s lead to just four points at halftime. The third quarter started as a stalemate, but the Pacers’ tough defense created opportunities for the offense. As a result, they went on a scorching 11-0 scoring run in less than two minutes of action.
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The Cavs made a late-game surge to cut the Pacers’ lead to one point in the fourth quarter, but that was as close as they got. A few crucial Indiana buckets combined with four straight missed free throws by Cleveland effectively sealed the deal down the stretch.
CLUTCH.
Myles Turner sealed the series with this three with less than 24 seconds remaining. pic.twitter.com/4dF8FaSeDr
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 14, 2025
Tyrese Haliburton was once again the leader for Indiana, finishing with 31 points, eight assists and six rebounds on an efficient 10-of-15 shooting from the field. Pascal Siakam also put up 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell had 35 points and nine rebounds for Cleveland, but shot just 8-of-25 from the field.
The Pacers are now set to face the winner of the Knicks-Celtics series in the Eastern Conference Finals. With the Knicks up 3-1 and Jayson Tatum down with an Achilles injury, New York is favored to close out the series.
Indiana’s Game 5 win helps cement them as a legitimate threat on both ends of the floor. What used to be an overpowered offensive roster with an average defense is now a two-way juggernaut just four wins away from the NBA Finals.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
