Pacers Eliminate Top-Seeded Cavs in Game 5
CLEVELAND, The Indiana Pacers are heading back to the Eastern Conference Finals, and they did it by toppling the East’s No. 1 seed with a performance that combined resilience, poise, and timely shot-making.
Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 31 points, while Pascal Siakam added 21, as the Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 114-105 on Tuesday night to take the series 4-1.
Donovan Mitchell returned from injury with 35 points, and Evan Mobley chipped in 24 and 11 rebounds, but Cleveland couldn’t stop the Pacers from rewriting the script, again.
History for Indiana
The Pacers become the first team since seeding began in 1984 to make back-to-back Conference Finals as a No. 4 seed or lower.
Last year, they reached the East Finals as a No. 6 seed. This time, they knocked off the top seed, winning three straight games on Cleveland’s home floor, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since 2005.
For the Cavaliers, it was a stunning collapse, losing three home games in a series for the first time in franchise history.
Game 5 Breakdown: From Collapse to Control
Cleveland came out blazing, jumping to a 19-point lead midway through the second quarter. But Indiana refused to fold. They slashed the deficit to just four by halftime.
Then came the avalanche.
The Pacers shot 64% in the third quarter, riding a 17-2 run sparked by Siakam and Haliburton. By the time the dust settled, Indiana had flipped the game with a 29-8 stretch, taking an 85-76 lead into the final frame.
Cleveland missed 19 of 26 shots in that period, a collapse that echoed throughout Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Mitchell’s Heroics Fall Short
Donovan Mitchell hit a clutch three with 1:27 left to bring the Cavs within three. But the Pacers showed composure, closing with an 8-2 run to secure the win and the series.
It was a veteran-level finish from a team with fresh legs and battle-tested confidence.
What’s Next for Indiana
The Pacers now await the winner of Celtics-Knicks. With New York up 3-1, a rematch of last year’s East Finals against Boston hangs in the balance.
Regardless of opponent, Indiana is no longer a surprise. This team, led by Haliburton, Siakam, and a fearless mentality, has earned its place among the East’s elite.
Final Score: Pacers 114, Cavaliers 105
Series Result: Indiana wins 4-1
