Cleveland, OH – April 13, 2025
The Indiana Pacers capped off the 2024-25 regular season with a game for the history books, overcoming a 27-point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-118 in double overtime. The comeback marks the largest in franchise history and the biggest in the NBA this season, helping Indiana notch its first 50-win season in over a decade.
Historic Comeback Fueled by Depth and Determination
Head coach Rick Carlisle praised the team’s resilience and bench depth after the improbable win.
“These guys were inspirational,” said Carlisle. “Because of them, we have a 50-win season. That’s something to really be proud of.”
The Pacers trailed by 27 points midway through the third quarter but outscored Cleveland 53-24 over the final 18 minutes of play, including both overtime periods.
Key Contributors:
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Quenton Jackson: 21 points, 15 in clutch minutes
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RayJ Dennis: 13 points, including 7 in double OT
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Tony Bradley, Enrique Freeman, Johnny Furphy: Each made critical late-game contributions
“I felt the whole time we could get it done,” said Jackson. “We all stepped up.”
Carlisle’s Rotation Gamble Pays Off
With postseason seeding secured, Carlisle opted to rest four rotation players and gave his remaining starters just a half of action. The second unit — comprised largely of two-way players and reserves — seized the opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers — already locked into the East’s top seed — sat nine regulars, including Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Only Jarrett Allen logged time, checking in for 41 seconds to preserve his perfect attendance for the season.
“Our guys were tired, but we were fresher,” said Carlisle. “We outlasted them.”
Final Regular Season Stats and Playoff Outlook
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Final Record: 50-32
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Last 16 Games: 13-3
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Since January 2: 34-14 (4th-best in NBA)
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First Round Opponent: Milwaukee Bucks
The Pacers have been one of the league’s hottest teams down the stretch and are heading into the postseason with major momentum.
“We’ve drawn an opponent playing at a really high level. We’ve got work to do,” Carlisle said of the upcoming Bucks series.
Emotional Sendoff for Two-Way Heroes
Because Jackson, Dennis, and Freeman are on two-way contracts, they are ineligible for playoff action — making Sunday’s game their last appearance of the season.
“Knowing this was our last chance, we were ready for the opportunity,” said Dennis.
Carlisle brought the group to the center of the locker room postgame, where they received a standing ovation from teammates — a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable night.
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SEO Title: Pacers Make NBA History With 27-Point Comeback to Reach 50 Wins
Meta Description: The Indiana Pacers completed the NBA’s largest comeback this season, overcoming a 27-point deficit to defeat the Cavaliers and secure their first 50-win season since 2014.
URL Slug: pacers-50-win-comeback-cavaliers-2025
Excerpt: The Pacers rallied from 27 points down to beat the Cavaliers in double OT, clinching a 50-win season for the first time since 2013-14 and capping off a historic run into the playoffs.
