The Cleveland Cavaliers looked to protect home court on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite a strong effort on both ends, the Pacers looked unbeatable and grabbed a 121-112 victory.
The Pacers utilized a fast-paced five-out offense to outrun the Cavs, especially when Cleveland had multiple bigs on the floor at one time. Donovan Mitchell stepped up for the Cavs in the absence of Darius Garland, but couldn’t will them to a victory.
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Tyrese Haliburton was in full playoff form and put up 22 points and 13 assists while Andrew Nembhard had a breakout game with 23 points and six assists. In total, four Pacers finished with 17 points or more.
The NBA world seemed pretty impressed with Indiana’s performance in Game 1.
Pacers showing right now why they were the Celtics toughest comp last year
— BSOLZ (@BSOLZ_) May 4, 2025
Too many people sleeping on the Pacers
They can easily win this series
— JWAC (@JwacReactions) May 5, 2025
Add Andrew Nembhard to the playoff riser list in the NBA
— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) May 5, 2025
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Pacers are now 27-3 when Haliburton scores 20+
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) May 5, 2025
Don’t wanna overreact or anything, but if the Pacers go to the Conference Finals AGAIN, I wouldn’t count out an Indiana ECF miracle…
— Hamz Talks Hoops (@hamztalkshoops_) May 5, 2025
1990s, mid 2000s, early 2010s, mid 2020s, the Pacers will always have an entertaining conference finals type team.
— Old NBA Tweets (@oldnbatweetz) May 5, 2025
I’m being so serious when I say the Pacers are scarier than the Cavs.
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) May 5, 2025
The Pacers are now up 1-0 in the series after stealing Game 1 on the road. The Cavs will look to redeem themselves in Game 2 on Tuesday.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
