NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
During the Cavaliers-Pacers matchup on Tuesday, a notable moment unfolded when Cleveland fans directed an “overrated” chant at Tyrese Haliburton as he stood at the free-throw line.
In a display of sportsmanship, Donovan Mitchell signaled for the crowd to quiet down.
Haliburton would go on to make them reconsider their words, as he nailed the game-winning shot just before the buzzer, leaving the crowd to think: Overrate this.
As in his decisive basket.
As in putting the Eastern Conference’s top-seeded team in a precarious position.
In a game the Pacers seemed destined to win—especially with the Cavs missing three key rotational players—Indiana showed remarkable resilience after initially falling behind by 20 points and trailing for the majority of the contest.
These NBA playoffs are becoming increasingly unpredictable.
The game dramatically shifted in the frantic final seconds; the Pacers were down by seven with just 47 seconds remaining, but Haliburton’s three-pointer enabled them to take a 2-0 series lead as they head home for the next two games.
Here are five key insights from Indiana’s thrilling, bewildering, and exhilarating 120-119 victory in Game 2:
All night, Haliburton was overshadowed by Mitchell—more on him shortly—who stepped up as the Pacers needed a hero in this crucial moment. Although behind by 20 points and down 17 at the end of the first quarter and 11 at halftime, Indiana persevered.
In a remarkable shift, it was a three-point game with just 27 seconds remaining. The Cavs’ Max Strus attempted a careless pass that was intercepted by Andrew Nembhard, giving Indy possession.
Remember when Haliburton sprinted to the basket against the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, executed a reverse layup, and celebrated atop the scorer’s table during a stunning comeback victory in the previous round?
This time, however, his heroism unfolded against the odds. He was fouled but missed both free throws with 12 seconds left. His offensive rebound, though, demonstrated his tenacity as he sized up Ty Jerome and created the space needed to make the game-winning shot.
TYRESE HALIBURTON SECURES GAME 2 FOR THE PACERS 😱🤯
WHAT. A. WILD. PLAY.pic.twitter.com/rFsjZmtrBz
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
Moreover, Haliburton managed to perform in the second half despite nursing a painful left hand he slightly injured during the second quarter. Yet, that hand certainly felt fine for the three-pointer.
After emerging as the hero for the second time in just one week, one thing is clear: Haliburton is now accurately recognized for his talents.
Throughout his career, Mitchell has occasionally appeared to be an MVP contender, particularly when he scored 50 points in the Disney bubble in 2020.
Given the circumstances, Mitchell’s latest standout performance was vital, as he embraced the challenge. Despite the Cavs being undermanned, they still had a franchise player ready to take charge against the Pacers. He attempted 18 shots in the first half—the most he’s taken in any half this season—showing his determination.
Overall, Mitchell tore through the Pacers defense—most notably with a posterizing dunk on Pascal Siakam—for a total of 48 points and nine assists. Time and again, whenever the Cavs needed a score or someone to keep the Pacers unsettled, Mitchell was their go-to player—and truly, there was no other viable option.
However, as the game progressed and the lead dwindled, it became evident that the Cavaliers required more than just Mitchell.
Consider this: Take away three key rotational players—including a 2025 award winner—from any remaining playoff team. How many would manage to win that game?
Well, not the Cavs—and probably not anyone else. At least the Cavs had a chance until they faltered under pressure.
Without Evan Mobley, the Kia Defensive Player of the Year; De’Andre Hunter, who finished fourth in the Sixth Man Award voting; and Darius Garland, their second-leading scorer—all sidelined due to injuries—that was the situation going into Game 2.
And the series is now undeniably tilted.
The Cavs urgently need their players back on the court. Garland has been absent for four consecutive playoff games due to a troublesome big toe. Mobley, with a sprained left ankle, is their top defender, likely capable of snatching that critical rebound from Haliburton. Hunter’s injury (thumb) left the bench in a bind, with Jerome struggling, shooting just 1-for-14 and contributing only two points.
The first-seed Cavs are now rattled.
The turning point might have come when Siakam, who had an off night, missed the second of his free-throw attempts while the Pacers were down seven with only 48 seconds remaining.
His miss paved the way for an opportunity: Aaron Nesmith dashed in, pulling down the rebound while Mitchell tugged on his jersey, and scored a follow-up dunk. Following that, the Cavs went scoreless and couldn’t even advance the ball past mid-court. The Pacers then controlled the boards and executed every necessary play.
From there, Haliburton seized his chance to clinch the victory.
Nesmith quietly delivered a strong performance with 23 points and three blocks, effectively filling in for Siakam, who was surprisingly passive and only took eight shots, making him a non-factor.
That raises a significant question. In NBA history, only five teams have succeeded in overcoming a two-game deficit at home to win a playoff series. This marks the first time this season that the Cavs have faced genuine adversity.
Remember, they started the season on fire, going 15-0. They strung together impressive streaks of 16 and 12 games, winning a total of 64 and securing the top seed. They set team records that had eluded past LeBron James-led squads.
Oh, and they commenced the playoffs by sweeping the Miami Heat.
They were also solid on the road, with a 30-11 record, which offers some solace as they head to Indianapolis. Yet, those regular-season accomplishments mean little in the current context. The Cavs must now fight to salvage what was shaping up to be a remarkable season—and it will demand a collective effort beyond just Donovan Mitchell.
* * *
Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email here, explore his archive here, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
