Pacers Take Game 1 in East Semifinals Against Cavaliers

(CLEVELAND, OH) – The Indiana Pacers opened their Eastern Conference semifinals with a strong performance, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-112 on May 4, 2025. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 22 points and 13 assists, giving Indiana the 1-0 series lead.

The Cavaliers were without their all-star point guard, Darius Garland, for the third straight playoff game. They started Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. The Pacers’ starting lineup consisted of Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner.

The matchup began with Cleveland holding a slight lead, but the Pacers quickly gained momentum. After a three-pointer by Siakam, Indiana pushed past Cleveland, ending the first quarter with a 36-25 advantage. The Pacers shot 67% from three-point range, contrasting with the Cavaliers’ 25% effort.

Cleveland fought back in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 52-48 thanks to a three from De’Andre Hunter. However, Indiana maintained control, finishing the first half ahead 64-58, led by Mitchell’s 15 points and Siakam’s 13.

In the third quarter, Cleveland began to chip away at the deficit. Mitchell, who eventually scored a game-high 33 points, hit several critical shots to bring the Cavaliers within striking distance. Yet, the Pacers responded by closing the quarter with a strong run, leading 92-90 as the final period began.

The fourth quarter saw back-and-forth action, with Cleveland briefly taking the lead. However, Haliburton hit a step-back three-pointer that shifted momentum back to Indiana. Nembhard followed suit with a long three, extending the lead to six.

As time wound down, the Pacers held a 118-108 advantage. Haliburton’s strong performance in the final minutes included two essential free throws, sealing the game for Indiana. The Pacers’ victory showcased their dominance from beyond the arc, making 14 three-pointers throughout the game.

Both teams will meet again for Game 2 on May 6, with the Pacers looking to extend their series lead.