Cavs to Face Pacers in Second Round After Thrilling Overtime Victory

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA playoffs. This matchup comes after the Pacers completed a comeback victory against the Milwaukee Bucks in a thrilling Game 5 on April 29, 2025.

Indiana secured the win with a 119-118 score after overcoming significant deficits, including a 20-point hole in the first half. Tyrese Haliburton played a pivotal role in the Pacers’ victory, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. His performance included a game-tying dunk with 11 seconds left in regulation.

“I just tried to step up when it mattered most,” Haliburton said after the game. “We kept believing in each other and didn’t give up.”

While Haliburton shined, Milwaukee’s star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, also delivered an impressive performance with a 30-point triple-double. However, his last attempt to win the game with a fadeaway shot missed the mark, sealing the Bucks’ first-round exit.

Game details for the upcoming series are still being finalized, but Game 1 is set for Sunday in Cleveland. The Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 1-3 record against the Pacers, though both teams had mixed results in their late-season matchups.

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson rested his starters in their last two games against Indiana, which may affect how both teams approach the upcoming series. “We’re ready for the challenge,” Atkinson stated. “It’s a new season now.”

The Pacers will look to continue their momentum, while the Cavaliers aim to capitalize on their playoff experience. The upcoming games promise to deliver excitement as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.