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
