Cavaliers vs Pacers: Game 2 Thriller and What’s Next in This Intense NBA Playoff Rivalry
The NBA playoffs have delivered another unforgettable night, with the Cavaliers vs Pacers clash in Game 2 leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The intense matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers saw momentum shift several times before Tyrese Haliburton’s stunning buzzer-beater sealed a 120-119 victory for Indiana on Cleveland’s home floor.
Game 2 Recap: Haliburton’s Last-Second Heroics
For much of the night, it looked like the Cavaliers would even the series. Cleveland started strong without injured stars Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, taking a dominant 32-15 lead in the first quarter. Donovan Mitchell was in top form, scoring at will and finishing with a game-high 48 points. But the Pacers remained resilient, chipping away at the deficit throughout the game.
As the fourth quarter wound down, the Cavaliers held a seven-point lead with less than a minute remaining. Then, the Pacers mounted a dramatic comeback. Tyrese Haliburton missed a key free throw but immediately grabbed his own rebound, stepped back, and drained a cold-blooded three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left, stunning the Cleveland crowd. This clutch shot secured the Game 2 win for the Pacers and a 2-0 series lead.
Key Performers and Turning Points
Mitchell’s electrifying performance included 48 points, 9 assists, and a relentless pace. Max Strus and Jarrett Allen also stepped up with strong contributions. For the Pacers, Haliburton’s composure in the clutch was remarkable, especially as he played through a wrist injury. Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith each added 23 points, contributing to Indiana’s balanced attack.
Critical turnovers and missed opportunities haunted Cleveland in the final minute. Back-to-back turnovers and missed inbounds plays allowed Indiana to capitalize, culminating in Haliburton’s game-winner. The Pacers’ late surge highlighted their resilience and depth — a theme throughout this postseason run.
For a detailed game summary, including full highlights and stats, visit the official NBA coverage of Pacers vs Cavaliers Game 2.
Injury News and Next Steps in the Series
Both teams are dealing with injury woes. Cleveland’s Mobley, Garland, and Hunter remain day-to-day after picking up knocks in the first two games. Haliburton’s wrist issue is being monitored, but his Game 2 heroics show he can still impact at the highest level.
The series now shifts to Indianapolis, where the Pacers can potentially clinch a sweep with home-court advantage. Cleveland faces a must-win situation, hoping their stars can return and overturn momentum. The next game promises even more fireworks as the Cavaliers vs Pacers rivalry heats up.
For more in-depth analysis and playoff takeaways — including how both teams performed under pressure and the outlook for Game 3 — check out The Athletic’s NBA playoff breakdown.
Conclusion: Expect High Drama as the Series Continues
The Cavaliers vs Pacers series has already delivered unforgettable playoff moments. With both teams fighting through adversity and Game 3 shifting to Indiana, fans can expect even more intense action. Will the Pacers extend their advantage, or can the Cavaliers rally and rewrite the script? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds.