CLEVELAND

Tyrese Halliburton sank a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, triggering a significant surge for the Indiana Pacers.

He wrapped up the game with 22 points and 13 assists, contributing defensively as well. Notably, he blocked a 3-point attempt from Max Strus with two minutes and twelve seconds left, quickly turning it into a layup that extended the lead to ten points.

Andrew Nembhard also shone, netting a playoff career-high 23 points while making five 3-pointers. Although the Cavaliers led the NBA in 3-pointers during the regular season, they struggled, hitting only nine out of 38 attempts.

Donovan Mitchell put up an impressive 33 points, marking the eighth consecutive game in the playoffs where he scored at least 30 points, breaking an NBA record previously held by Michael Jordan.

Evan Mobley contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds, but the Cavaliers were unable to capitalize on their lead in the fourth quarter.

Indiana initially went up by 12 points in the third quarter, but Cleveland made a comeback, briefly leading 102-101 thanks to a free throw from Strus before Halliburton’s 3-pointer ignited a 15-4 run.

All five starters for Indiana finished with double-digit scores, with Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam each contributing 17 points.

Game 2 is set for Tuesday night in Cleveland.