The Indiana Pacers managed to push the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 20-point deficit at one point during Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Having already lost Game 1, the Cavs were missing key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and important reserve De’Andre Hunter. This game had the potential to turn things around for Cleveland, giving them a chance to recuperate.
Though the Pacers struggled in the fourth quarter, it looked like they might be running out of time. Cleveland was ahead by seven when Donovan Mitchell hit a free throw with less than a minute to go. I mean, that should be secure enough, right? Well, not against a team like Indiana.
In a shocking finish, the Pacers edged out the Cavs 120-119 in another nail-biter. After Aaron Gordon’s impressive play stunned everyone, Tyrese Halliburton responded brilliantly, leading his team to an unexpected win.
With just 27 seconds left, the Cavs attempted to inbound the ball. Andrew Nembhard intercepted a poor pass from Max Strus, turning the tide. Halliburton took the ball, drove to the basket, and drew a foul. He made one free throw, narrowing the gap to two points with 12 seconds remaining.
Then the drama unfolded. Halliburton missed his second free throw, grabbed the offensive rebound, and dribbled back to the top of the key before nailing a tough step-back jumper for the win. It was quite the moment.
This is quite the turnaround for Halliburton, who was recently voted the most overrated player by his peers in a poll. Now he’s on the brink of leading his team to the Eastern Conference Finals after taking the first two games in Cleveland.
Halliburton wrapped up the game with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and no turnovers on 11 shots. The Pacers’ remarkable comeback was fueled by strong performances from Aaron Nesmith (23 points, 3 blocks) and Miles Turner (23 points, 5 blocks). Despite a rough night with 18 turnovers and only six free throws, Indiana somehow managed to seize victory at the last moment.
Donovan Mitchell was sensational, scoring 48 points. The Cavs had been the top team in the Eastern Conference, but things couldn’t have gone worse for them in this round. Garland has been sidelined with injuries in both games, and Mobley is out due to an ankle issue, leaving them down 0-2 against Indiana.
It’s a real disappointment to see Cleveland’s season spiral like this, especially with Indiana really pushing them to the brink.
