CLEVELAND – Indiana Pacers’ head coach Rick Carlisle perfectly encapsulated the atmosphere of the Eastern Conference semifinals, stating simply, “The winning team writes the script.” And that script was one of resilience and preparation, as the Pacers came away with a 114-105 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5, earning their spot in the conference finals for the second consecutive year—a feat not accomplished since the 2013-14 season.
Once again, the game unfolded in a familiar pattern, with Cleveland establishing a formidable lead early on, racing to a 44-25 advantage midway through the second quarter. However, the Pacers, known for their relentless tempo, refused to buckle under the pressure. Tyrese Haliburton shined brightly, pouring in 31 points, and showcasing his sharpshooting ability with six three-pointers, five of which came during a pivotal stretch in the second period. Pascal Siakam also contributed significantly, adding 21 points to the mix as Indiana rallied back to close the gap, trailing only 56-52 at halftime.
“I have to give our guys credit, they earned this,” Carlisle remarked after the game, praising the tenacity of his players. He acknowledged the Cavaliers’ outstanding season, expressing sympathy for how it ended, but emphasized his team’s timely surge into the postseason. Underdogs in this matchup, the fourth-seeded Pacers fed off the doubt, as the Cavs entered the game with a reputation for dominance after sweeping the Miami Heat in the first round.
As the second half unfolded, the Pacers found their rhythm, shooting an impressive 64% from the field in the third quarter and embarking on a decisive 17-2 run that would propel them to an eventual 85-76 lead heading into the final stanza. This momentum shift proved to be the crucial turning point of the game, solidifying Indiana’s control.
Cleveland’s shooting woes were notable, struggling to find their mark, particularly from beyond the arc where they finished with a dismal 9 of 35. Donovan Mitchell, despite leading the Cavs with 35 points, faced challenges. He and Darius Garland combined to shoot just 12 of 41 overall, struggling to make an impact as the game slipped away.
As the clock wound down, Mitchell’s three-pointer briefly narrowed the margin to 106-103 with just 1:27 remaining, igniting hope among the home crowd. Yet, the Pacers methodically sealed their victory, scoring eight of the final ten points, leaving Cleveland heartbroken in front of their fans.
For the Cavaliers, this defeat marked the first time they dropped three home games in a postseason series, a stark reminder of the challenges they faced against Indiana’s speedy, high-energy gameplay. Mitchell reflected on the disappointment of letting the core fans down, revealing the weight of their home court’s significance.
Now, with their eyes set on the future, the Pacers await the winner of the Boston Celtics versus New York Knicks series, with the Knicks currently leading 3-1. Regardless of who they face next, Indiana has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, carrying forward the momentum of their remarkable playoff run.
