Indiana’s reserves erased a 27-point deficit and beat Cleveland 126-118 in double overtime to secure the Pacers’ 50th win.
It was the largest comeback in franchise history and the biggest by any NBA team during the 2024-25 regular season.
End-of-bench group turns the game around
The Pacers had already secured the Eastern Conference’s fourth seed, so coach Rick Carlisle rested four rotation players and sat his remaining regulars after half-time.
Indiana still trailed 94-73 with 8:05 left in the fourth when Carlisle turned to Tony Bradley, RayJ Dennis, Enrique Freeman, Johnny Furphy and Quenton Jackson.
That group outscored Cleveland 53-24 over the final 18:05. Jackson scored 15 of his 21 points during the comeback, Bradley finished with 14, and Dennis added seven of his 13 in the second overtime.
Bradley’s hook shot with 4:41 left in the second extra period put Indiana ahead for good.
Carlisle praises an unlikely closing lineup
“They showed so much courage and fortitude, it was amazing,” Carlisle said. “Because of those guys, we have a 50-win season, which is something to really be proud of.”
Jackson said the five players believed throughout the comeback that they could finish the job.
For Jackson, Freeman and Dennis, all on two-way deals, the game was their final appearance of the season because they were not eligible for the playoff roster.
Cleveland also rests its leading players
The Cavaliers had already clinched the East’s best record and rested nine rotation players. Jarrett Allen played 41 seconds to complete the first 82-game season of his career.
Jaylon Tyson scored a career-high 31 points, Emoni Bates had 25, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin produced 24 points and 12 rebounds in his first NBA start.
Indiana finished 50-32, reaching 50 victories for the first time since 2013-14. Carlisle brought the five closing players forward in the locker room so their teammates could applaud the group that completed the comeback.
