In a stunning upset, the Indiana Pacers rallied from 19 down behind Tyrese Haliburton’s 31 points to beat the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 114-105 in Game 5 and return to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Cleveland, OH. (WE) — The Indiana Pacers are heading back to the Eastern Conference Finals after delivering a stunning 114-105 road win against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday night. Powered by a 31-point performance from All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and a pivotal third-quarter surge, the Pacers eliminated the Cavaliers 4-1 in the best-of-seven series.
The win marks Indiana’s second consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference Finals and their first series victory over a No. 1 seed since the days of Reggie Miller. The fourth-seeded Pacers have now positioned themselves as a legitimate contender for the NBA title, overcoming both expectations and a 19-point deficit on the road to secure their spot in the league’s final four.
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, who was questionable entering the game after spraining his left ankle in Game 4, led all scorers with 35 points. Despite his heroic effort, the Cavaliers were ultimately undone by a cold shooting stretch in the third quarter and the relentless energy of an Indiana squad that refused to go quietly.
First Half: A Tale of Two Quarters
The Cavaliers came out with urgency, looking to keep their season alive in front of a raucous Cleveland crowd. They raced to a 44-25 lead midway through the second quarter, capitalizing on Indiana’s early turnovers and poor shooting. Evan Mobley was instrumental during this stretch, scoring inside and controlling the glass. He finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds, delivering one of his best performances of the postseason.
But Indiana, known for its offensive resilience under head coach Rick Carlisle, didn’t panic. The Pacers clawed back with a 27-12 run to close the second quarter, trimming the lead to just 56-52 at halftime. That momentum shift would prove crucial.
Third Quarter: Indiana Takes Control
The Pacers erupted after halftime, shooting 14-of-22 from the field in the third quarter and using a 17-2 burst to seize the lead. Haliburton and Pascal Siakam led the charge. Siakam scored eight points during the pivotal run, while Haliburton knocked down timely threes and set the tone with his floor leadership.
By the end of the third, Indiana held an 85-76 lead. Cleveland, meanwhile, struggled mightily, going just 7-of-26 from the field in the quarter and unable to match the Pacers’ energy and execution.
Despite a late push in the fourth quarter that saw Mitchell bury a deep three to cut the deficit to 106-103 with 1:27 left, the Pacers answered with poise. They scored eight of the final ten points to close the game, leaving no doubt about who was the better team.
Star Performances Fuel Pacers’ Upset
Haliburton was brilliant throughout. The All-Star guard shot 10-of-15 from the field, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, and added eight assists and six rebounds. His composure, shot-making, and creativity were vital against Cleveland’s physical defense.
Siakam, the 2019 NBA champion acquired midseason from the Toronto Raptors, delivered in big moments, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. His versatility and playoff experience have proven invaluable to Indiana’s postseason run.
Rookie Andrew Nembhard also made his presence felt with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three. The second-year guard from Gonzaga continues to grow in his role and had six assists with just two turnovers against Cleveland’s pressure.
Forward Aaron Nesmith battled defensively and on the boards, contributing 13 points and a team-high 13 rebounds, while Myles Turner anchored the interior with 10 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks.
The Pacers bench also provided key contributions. Veteran center Thomas Bryant added nine points on efficient shooting in limited minutes, while Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard chipped in with energy plays and hustle.
Cavaliers Fall Short Despite Mitchell’s Brilliance
The Cavaliers were considered favorites not only for this series but as legitimate Eastern Conference Finals hopefuls following a strong regular season. But the top seed crumbled under the pressure, dropping three consecutive games on their home floor—something the franchise had never done in a single postseason series before.
Mitchell, who has now failed to advance beyond the second round in all seven of his playoff appearances, was emotional postgame. He battled through injury and heavy minutes to try to extend Cleveland’s season, but lacked the support needed in key stretches.
Mobley’s strong double-double performance was not enough to counter Indiana’s balanced attack. Guards Darius Garland and Caris LeVert struggled from the field, and Cleveland’s defense, which ranked top-five in efficiency during the regular season, was exposed by Indiana’s motion offense and pace.
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A Statement Win for Indiana
Indiana’s ability to win all three games in Cleveland is historic. It marks the first time since 2005 that the Pacers have taken three road games in a single series, when they beat the Boston Celtics in the first round. Tuesday night’s win was not just a triumph of execution—it was a validation of a team that’s been quietly building toward contention under Carlisle’s direction.
For a franchise that hasn’t reached the NBA Finals since 2000 and has often played second fiddle to East heavyweights like Miami, Boston, and Milwaukee, this is a defining moment. Haliburton has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars, and with veterans like Siakam and Turner supporting him, Indiana is showing the kind of balance and toughness needed to win in May and June.
Looking Ahead
The Pacers now turn their focus to the winner of the Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks series. The Knicks currently hold a 3-1 lead with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday night at TD Garden in Boston.
Indiana will enter the Eastern Conference Finals looking to avenge last year’s sweep at the hands of the Celtics. Much has changed since then. Siakam brings championship pedigree, and Haliburton is playing with supreme confidence. The team has grown more cohesive, and the bench has matured.
Meanwhile, Cleveland enters the offseason with major questions. Will they run it back with their current core? Will they explore trading one of their backcourt stars? The future of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is also uncertain after another early playoff exit.
Stats Recap
Indiana Pacers
- Tyrese Haliburton: 31 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST, 6/10 3PT
- Pascal Siakam: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST
- Andrew Nembhard: 18 PTS, 6 AST
- Aaron Nesmith: 13 PTS, 13 REB
- Myles Turner: 10 PTS, 7 REB, 4 BLK
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell: 35 PTS, 4 REB
- Evan Mobley: 24 PTS, 11 REB
- Darius Garland: 13 PTS (5/16 FG)
- Caris LeVert: 9 PTS (4/12 FG)
- Max Strus: 7 PTS (1/6 3PT)
Team Stats
- Indiana shot 50% from the field (41/82) and 42.9% from three (15/35)
- Cleveland shot 45.6% overall (36/79) and only 30.4% from three (7/23)
- Pacers had 26 assists to 20 for Cleveland
- Indiana won the rebounding battle 47-42
- Points in the paint: Cleveland 50, Indiana 44
- Fast break points: Cleveland 16, Indiana 13
- Bench points: Cleveland 26, Indiana 21
This victory adds to Indiana’s growing resume as a team that no longer just plays spoiler but has real designs on competing for a championship. Whether they face Boston or New York next, the Pacers will enter the Eastern Conference Finals full of belief, momentum, and a sense of unfinished business.
