Pacers Take Early Lead in East Semifinals Against Cavaliers

CLEVELAND, OH — The Indiana Pacers recorded a decisive 1-0 series lead after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 6, 2025. The game took place at Rocket Arena and marked a crucial moment for both teams in the playoff race.

The Pacers opened the contest with an impressive performance, maintaining a steady lead throughout the first quarter. Isaac Okoro made a driving layup assisted by Jarrett Allen, putting the Pacers ahead early on with a score of 11-16. The Cavaliers struggled to respond, despite their home court advantage.

By the first quarter’s end, the Pacers showcased their defensive capabilities, highlighted by a strong block from Myles Turner against Ty Jerome‘s attempted layup. The Cavaliers faced tough challenges, finishing the first quarter with a low shooting percentage of 25%.

Statistically, the Pacers recorded a field goal percentage of 37.5% while the Cavaliers lagged at 25%. The Indiana squad also excelled from three-point range, hitting 40% of their attempts compared to the Cavaliers’ 14.3%.

As the game progressed, turnovers became a significant factor for both teams. The Cavaliers registered 32 turnovers, hindering their offensive efforts. Meanwhile, the Pacers capitalized on their rebounds, racking up a total of 88 throughout the match.

The injuries of key Cavaliers players were evident, as three starters, including their point guard, were officially ruled out for Game 2. The loss of players like Ty Jerome proved debilitating for the Cavaliers as they struggled to maintain rhythm in their game.

The Pacers aim to build on this momentum in their next game, seeking to extend their series lead against the Cavaliers. Cleveland will need to regroup quickly to avoid an uphill battle as they head into Game 3.