The Indiana Pacers are officially the story of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

In one of the most thrilling finishes of the postseason so far, Tyrese Haliburton hit a dramatic game-winning three-pointer with one second left, completing a furious late rally and lifting Indiana to a stunning 120-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of their second-round series.

Indiana now holds a commanding 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Indianapolis, while the East’s No. 1 seed Cavaliers are left searching for answers — and facing an uphill battle they never saw coming.

A Historic Collapse — and a Legendary Finish

Cleveland led this game from the opening tip — building a 32-17 lead after the first quarter and pushing the margin to 20 points early in the second half. Even with multiple injuries to key starters, the Cavaliers looked poised to even the series behind a heroic performance from Donovan Mitchell.

But the Pacers refused to fold.

Indiana stormed back in the fourth quarter, outscoring Cleveland 36-21 in the final 12 minutes.
The comeback reached a fever pitch in the closing seconds:

  • With 45 seconds remaining, Donovan Mitchell committed a critical offensive foul.

  • Pascal Siakam attacked Dean Wade's closeout for a layup to cut the Cavs' lead to three.

  • After a turnover, Haliburton went to the free-throw line — splitting the pair but hustling for his own rebound.

  • Then, with the game hanging in the balance, Haliburton hit a cold-blooded step-back three-pointer over Isaac Okoro.

Just like that, Indiana — who had trailed virtually all night — had stolen Game 2.



Haliburton's Star Turn

Haliburton’s final box score:

  • 19 points (7-11 FG, 2-2 3PT, 3-5 FT)

  • 9 rebounds

  • 4 assists

  • 1 block

  • 0 turnovers

  • 36 minutes played

All while battling through a wrist injury suffered earlier in the game that required X-rays at halftime.

More importantly, he delivered when it mattered most, cementing his status as one of the NBA’s brightest young playoff stars.

This wasn’t Haliburton’s first taste of late-game magic either — he also clinched Indiana’s first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a game-winning layup in Game 5. But this moment — hitting a game-winner on the road, in the second round, against the No. 1 seed — was next-level.




Cleveland’s Nightmare

Donovan Mitchell did everything in his power to carry Cleveland, finishing with 48 points (15-30 FG, 1-7 3PT, 17-21 FT), 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block.

But it wasn’t enough.

The Cavaliers’ supporting cast simply didn’t rise to the occasion.
Missing Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter, Cleveland’s offense leaned heavily on Mitchell — and when it came time to close, they couldn’t execute.
They shot just 28% from three-point range (11-for-39) and struggled with late-game turnovers and defensive breakdowns.

Mitchell’s offensive foul and turnover in the final minute were devastating.
Max Strus hit a big three late, but otherwise Cleveland’s offense stagnated in crunch time, and the Cavs' missed opportunities — free throws, defensive lapses, broken possessions — opened the door just enough for Indiana to storm through.

Indiana's Balanced Attack

While Haliburton delivered the dagger, Indiana’s win was fueled by a complete team effort:

  • Aaron Nesmith had 23 points, shooting 5-of-8 from three and delivering key hustle plays on both ends.

  • Myles Turner matched Nesmith with 23 points of his own, including two huge threes and solid rim protection.

  • Bennedict Mathurin provided 19 points off the bench, constantly attacking the paint and bringing crucial energy.

  • Pascal Siakam, despite struggling at the free-throw line late, added 17 points and made key defensive plays.

The Pacers shot 51% from the field and showed once again that even without overwhelming star power, their depth, balance, and resilience can win playoff games.

The Series Outlook: Cavaliers in Trouble

The Cavaliers, who coasted through the first round by sweeping the Miami Heat in the most lopsided series in NBA history, now find themselves in unfamiliar territory.

Cleveland, the East’s best regular-season team, is now just two losses away from an early exit.
And with Garland, Mobley, and Hunter still uncertain, their margin for error has disappeared.

Meanwhile, Indiana returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with all the momentum — and a chance to bury the No. 1 seed in front of a raucous home crowd.

If the Cavaliers can’t tighten up their late-game execution — and if someone beyond Mitchell doesn’t step up — this series could end shockingly quickly.

Final Word

The Indiana Pacers have gone from underdog to juggernaut almost overnight.
Behind Tyrese Haliburton’s fearless shot-making, balanced scoring, and relentless effort, the Pacers are now two wins away from the Eastern Conference Finals.

For the Cavaliers, Game 3 on Friday is now a must-win.
Otherwise, a magical 64-win season could be reduced to just another "what if."

And after what we just witnessed, betting against Indiana’s heart would be a dangerous move