The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers clashed in an electrifying second-round playoff series in the 2025 NBA season, delivering high-octane basketball that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With the Cavaliers entering as the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the Pacers riding a wave of momentum from their first-round upset, this matchup showcased contrasting styles—Cleveland’s defensive grit against Indiana’s fast-paced, three-point barrage. This article dives deep into the player stats, key performances, and critical moments from their recent games, focusing on the thrilling Game 1 and Game 2 battles on May 4 and May 6, 2025. Drawing from the latest available data, we’ll break down how individual efforts shaped the series and what lies ahead for both teams.
The Stage Is Set: Cavaliers vs. Pacers in the 2025 Playoffs
The Cleveland Cavaliers stormed into the 2025 playoffs with a 63-17 record, securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, the Cavs dominated the regular season with a potent offense and a suffocating defense. Their first-round sweep of the Miami Heat underscored their championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers, seeded fourth with a 47-35 record, surprised many by dispatching the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in the first round. Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking and Pascal Siakam’s versatility fueled Indiana’s high-octane attack, setting the stage for a thrilling semifinal clash.
This series, hosted at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for Games 1 and 2, promised fireworks. Cleveland relied on their home-court advantage and balanced roster, while Indiana leaned on their league-leading three-point shooting. The contrast in styles—Cleveland’s methodical, defense-first approach versus Indiana’s up-tempo, perimeter-oriented game—made every possession critical. Let’s dive into the player performances that defined the opening games of this series.
Game 1: Pacers Steal Home Court with a 121-112 Victory
On May 4, 2025, the Pacers shocked the basketball world by defeating the Cavaliers 121-112 in Game 1, seizing home-court advantage. Indiana’s blistering three-point shooting and balanced scoring attack overwhelmed Cleveland’s defense, despite a valiant effort from Donovan Mitchell. The game highlighted Indiana’s ability to exploit open looks and Cleveland’s struggles from beyond the arc.
Pacers’ Key Performers
Andrew Nembhard led the charge for Indiana, dropping 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including five three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor and attack off the dribble kept Cleveland’s defense scrambling. Nembhard also contributed four rebounds and three assists, showcasing his all-around impact. Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ floor general, added 15 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. His step-back three in the fourth quarter sparked a 15-4 run that sealed the game. Haliburton’s playmaking created open shots for teammates, with Indiana finishing 19-of-36 (52.8%) from three.
Pascal Siakam chipped in 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, hitting two above-the-break threes that stretched Cleveland’s frontcourt. Aaron Nesmith matched Siakam’s 17 points, adding defensive tenacity with two steals. Myles Turner anchored the paint with 14 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, deterring Cleveland’s drives. All five Pacers starters scored in double figures, a testament to their balanced attack.
Cavaliers’ Standouts
Donovan Mitchell carried Cleveland’s offense with 33 points, six assists, and three steals, shooting 12-of-22 from the field. His eighth straight 30-point game in a playoff series opener broke Michael Jordan’s NBA record, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s hot shooting. Evan Mobley delivered 20 points and 10 rebounds, including two blocks, though he struggled to contain Indiana’s perimeter game. Max Strus added 12 points and five rebounds, but his 1-of-4 three-point shooting reflected Cleveland’s broader struggles.
The Cavaliers shot a dismal 9-of-38 (23.7%) from three, a stark contrast to their regular-season average of 15.9 threes per game. Despite outscoring Indiana 38-20 in the paint, Cleveland couldn’t match the Pacers’ perimeter efficiency. Indiana’s 12-point lead in the third quarter shrank as Cleveland rallied, but Haliburton’s late three and Siakam’s transition layup secured the upset.
Game 2: Pacers Edge Cavs 120-119 in a Nail-Biter
On May 6, 2025, the Pacers pushed their series lead to 2-0 with a heart-stopping 120-119 victory in Game 2. Cleveland, hampered by injuries to Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter, leaned heavily on Donovan Mitchell, but Indiana’s clutch shooting and defensive stops prevailed. The game featured dramatic swings, with Cleveland’s third-quarter surge countered by Indiana’s late-game heroics.
Pacers’ Clutch Contributors
Myles Turner emerged as a force, posting 23 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, and a steal. His 3-of-6 shooting from three, including a buzzer-beating corner three to end the third quarter, swung momentum back to Indiana. Turner’s rim protection limited Cleveland’s interior scoring, forcing them to rely on perimeter shots. Tyrese Haliburton delivered 19 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and a block, orchestrating Indiana’s offense with precision. His ability to push the pace after made baskets kept Cleveland’s defense on its heels.
Pascal Siakam added 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Obi Toppin contributed seven points, two steals, and a dime off the bench. T.J. McConnell, the sparkplug reserve, chipped in four points, three assists, and a steal, igniting Indiana’s bench unit. The Pacers shot 11-of-28 (39.3%) from three, slightly below their Game 1 mark but enough to outpace Cleveland’s 11-of-39 (28.2%).
Cavaliers’ Gritty Effort
Donovan Mitchell erupted for a playoff career-high 48 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and four steals, shooting 15-of-30 from the field and 17-of-21 from the free-throw line. His 36-point third quarter, including a massive dunk and an alley-oop to Jarrett Allen, fueled a 20-4 run that gave Cleveland a 98-84 lead. However, Mitchell’s missed shot late against Haliburton allowed Siakam’s uncontested layup, which proved costly.
Jarrett Allen stepped up in Mobley’s absence, recording 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. His interior presence kept Cleveland competitive, though he struggled against Turner’s perimeter shooting. Max Strus added 23 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, hitting 4-of-7 threes. Isaac Okoro contributed five points and two steals, providing defensive energy.
Cleveland’s 61-50 halftime lead, driven by Mitchell’s 21 points and Strus’ 14, suggested a comeback was brewing. Yet, Indiana’s 19-of-35 three-point shooting and timely defensive stops, including Turner’s blocks, thwarted the Cavaliers’ rally. The Pacers’ 44-of-85 field goal shooting (51.8%) edged out Cleveland’s 39-of-90 (43.3%), securing the one-point victory.
Key Matchups That Defined the Series
Several individual battles shaped the outcomes of Games 1 and 2, highlighting the tactical chess match between coaches Kenny Atkinson and Rick Carlisle. Let’s explore the critical matchups that swung the momentum.
Donovan Mitchell vs. Tyrese Haliburton
Mitchell’s scoring outburst clashed with Haliburton’s playmaking wizardry. While Mitchell averaged 40.5 points per game in the series, Haliburton’s 17 points and 8.5 assists per game created open looks for Indiana’s shooters. Haliburton’s ability to push the tempo after made baskets exposed Cleveland’s transition defense, while Mitchell’s isolation scoring kept the Cavs in striking distance. This battle of star guards will remain pivotal as the series shifts to Indiana.
Evan Mobley vs. Pascal Siakam
Mobley’s defensive versatility met Siakam’s all-around scoring in a fascinating duel. In Game 1, Siakam’s 17 points and two threes stretched Mobley away from the paint, limiting his rim protection. Mobley’s absence in Game 2 allowed Siakam to exploit mismatches, though his 12 points reflected tighter defense from Cleveland’s reserves. Mobley’s return in Game 3 could tilt this matchup in Cleveland’s favor.
Jarrett Allen vs. Myles Turner
The battle of the bigs saw Turner’s perimeter shooting challenge Allen’s paint dominance. Turner’s 18.5 points and 4.0 blocks per game, including eight threes across two games, forced Allen to defend in space. Allen countered with 19 points and 11 rebounds per game, anchoring Cleveland’s interior game. Turner’s edge in Game 2, particularly his clutch three, gave Indiana the upper hand.
Statistical Breakdown: What the Numbers Tell Us
The numbers from Games 1 and 2 reveal why Indiana holds a 2-0 lead. The Pacers’ three-point shooting (30-of-64, 46.9%) dwarfed Cleveland’s (20-of-77, 26.0%), highlighting Indiana’s perimeter advantage. Indiana also averaged 28 assists per game compared to Cleveland’s 24, reflecting their superior ball movement. Cleveland held a slight edge in rebounds (43.5 vs. 44) and points in the paint (38 vs. 32), but their inability to convert open threes proved costly.
Turnovers and fouls also played a role. Indiana’s 17 turnovers in Game 2 nearly cost them, but Cleveland’s 26 personal fouls led to 29 Pacers free throws. The Cavaliers’ 13 turnovers in Game 2 limited their possessions, underscoring the need for cleaner execution. Defensively, Indiana’s nine blocks and seven steals per game disrupted Cleveland’s rhythm, while the Cavs’ five blocks and 11 steals showed their tenacity.
Regular-Season Context: A Rivalry Rekindled
The Cavaliers and Pacers split their four regular-season meetings in 2024-25, with each team winning once at home and once on the road. On January 12, 2025, Indiana snapped Cleveland’s 12-game winning streak with a 108-93 victory, led by Andrew Nembhard’s 19 points and Pascal Siakam’s 18. Cleveland responded on January 14, 2025, with a 127-113 win, powered by Donovan Mitchell’s 35 points and Evan Mobley’s 22. These games foreshadowed the playoff intensity, with Indiana’s three-point shooting and Cleveland’s interior strength defining the matchups.
Historically, the Pacers hold a slight edge in regular-season head-to-heads, with 111 wins to Cleveland’s 104 in 215 games. However, Cleveland’s playoff pedigree and top seed give them confidence. The regular-season battles showed both teams’ ability to adapt, setting the stage for a tightly contested series.
Injuries and Absences: Impact on the Series
Injuries significantly impacted Cleveland’s performance in Game 2. Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter missed the game, forcing the Cavs to rely on reserves like Isaac Okoro and Sam Merrill. Mobley’s absence weakened Cleveland’s rim protection, allowing Indiana’s shooters to exploit open looks. Garland’s playmaking absence left Mitchell as the primary ball-handler, increasing his workload. Hunter’s defensive versatility was missed against Siakam and Nesmith.
For Indiana, Isaiah Jackson’s torn Achilles sidelined their backup big, but Myles Turner and Obi Toppin filled the void. Tyrese Haliburton played through minor nagging injuries, delivering clutch performances. Cleveland’s injury woes could loom large in Games 3 and 4, but Mobley and Garland’s potential return offers hope.
What’s Next: Keys to Game 3 and Beyond
As the series shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3 on May 10, 2025, both teams face critical adjustments. For Cleveland, improving their three-point shooting and reducing fouls will be paramount. Donovan Mitchell’s scoring must be complemented by contributions from Strus, Merrill, and a returning Garland. Defensively, the Cavs need to contest Indiana’s threes without sacrificing paint presence, a challenge for Mobley and Allen.
Indiana must maintain their three-point accuracy and exploit Cleveland’s depleted roster. Haliburton’s playmaking and Turner’s versatility will be key, while Siakam and Nesmith must continue their two-way impact. Avoiding turnovers and matching Cleveland’s physicality will help the Pacers protect their home court.
Shaquem Griffin The series remains far from over. Cleveland’s depth and home-court dominance in the regular season suggest a comeback is possible, especially if Mobley and Garland return. However, Indiana’s confidence and shooting prowess make them a formidable foe. Game 3 will likely set the tone for the rest of the series, with both teams desperate to assert dominance.
FAQs: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers 2025 Playoff Series
1. What were the standout performances in Game 1 of the Cavs vs. Pacers series?
Delightful In Game 1 on May 4, 2025, Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 23 points, including five three-pointers, while Tyrese Haliburton added 15 points and eight assists. Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith each scored 17 points, and Myles Turner contributed 14 points and three blocks. For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell erupted for 33 points, six assists, and three steals, setting an NBA record for consecutive 30-point playoff series openers. Evan Mobley added 20 points and 10 rebounds, but Cleveland’s 9-of-38 three-point shooting doomed their chances.
2. How did injuries affect the Cavaliers’ performance in Game 2?
Arizona Diamondbacks Cleveland played Game 2 on May 6, 2025, without Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter, severely impacting their defense and playmaking. Mobley’s absence left Jarrett Allen as the primary rim protector, while Garland’s absence forced Donovan Mitchell to handle most ball-handling duties. The lack of Hunter’s wing defense allowed Indiana’s shooters like Aaron Nesmith to find open looks. Despite Mitchell’s 48-point heroics, the shorthanded Cavs fell 120-119.
3. Why has Indiana’s three-point shooting been so effective against Cleveland?
Grayson McCall The Pacers’ three-point shooting, averaging 46.9% (30-of-64) through two games, stems from their fast-paced offense and Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking. Haliburton’s ability to push the ball after made baskets creates transition opportunities, while his passing finds shooters like Andrew Nembhard and Myles Turner. Indiana’s 19-of-36 performance in Game 1 and 11-of-28 in Game 2 exploited Cleveland’s slow rotations and focus on paint protection, exposing gaps in their perimeter defense.
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