Haliburton’s Clutch Three Lifts Pacers Over Cavs in Historic Comeback
On Might 6, 2025, Tyrese Haliburton delivered probably the most dramatic moments of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With simply 1.1 seconds remaining, the Indiana Pacers guard sank a deep three-pointer to finish a surprising 120-119 comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Sport 2 of the Japanese Convention Semifinals. The Pacers now maintain a commanding 2-0 collection lead over the top-seeded Cavaliers.
Cleveland got here into this collection, after a dominating sweep over the Miami Warmth within the first spherical. As well as, they dominated the common season. For many of the season, the Cavs and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder traded positions because the NBA’s finest group. A late season droop noticed Cleveland end 64-18, which was sufficient to take care of the East’s finest report.
Donovan Mitchell has had an unimaginable season and postseason to get the Cavs right here. Tyrese Haliburton, in the meantime, has dominated. His dominance led the Pacers to a collection win over the Milwaukee Bucks in 5 video games. For the second straight 12 months, they’ve eradicated the Bucks within the first spherical. Now, he’s gone into Cleveland and upset the East’s finest group. First, with an upset, and now with a clutch game-winner.
A Huge Comeback
The Cavaliers entered the sport already down 1-0 on this collection. That comes regardless of an everyday season report of 64-18. Early on, they seemed each bit the Japanese Convention favourite, leaping out to a 20-point lead within the first half. However the Pacers, who completed 50-32 within the common season, refused to fold.
With underneath a minute left and the Pacers trailing by 7, the percentages have been stacked. In actual fact, NBA historical past reveals that out of 1,643 playoff video games since 1997-98, solely three groups have come again from such a deficit. Remarkably, the Pacers have now executed it twice this postseason.
Already, the Pacers grabbed home-court benefit of their Sport 1 victory. Indiana saved Sport 1 aggressive and pulled away late within the fourth quarter. Regardless of Cleveland’s huge win whole, compared to Indiana’s, the Pacers have extra playoff expertise. Final 12 months, Haliburton led them on a Cinderella run to the Japanese Convention Finals.
Regardless of shedding Sport 1, Cleveland have been favorites to win Sport 2. Nonetheless, the Pacers had different plans. Within the ultimate seconds, Indiana turned that loss right into a win. So, mounting an inconceivable rally in Sport 2 has Indiana up 2-0 going residence.
The Closing Sequence: Protection Meets Future
Trailing 119-112 with underneath 50 seconds to go, Indiana wanted perfection. A fast bucket, adopted by an inbounds steal from Andrew Nembhard off Max Strus with 27.5 seconds left, gave the Pacers life. Haliburton, who had missed a layup earlier, drove the lane and drew a foul with 12.1 seconds to go.
He hit the primary free throw, missed the second, however grabbed his personal rebound. After resetting on the high of the arc, he launched a high-arching three over defender Ty Jerome. The ball sailed via the web with 1.1 seconds left. Cleveland did not convert on their ultimate possession, and the Pacers sealed the win.
Now, the group with the East’s finest report hits the highway down 0-2. This comes after a historic, dominant, sweep over the Miami Warmth.
Participant of the Sport: Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton ended the sport with 19 factors, 4 assists, and three rebounds. Most crucially, he scored 11 of these factors within the fourth quarter alone. Feeding off “overrated” chants from the house crowd, Haliburton turned boos into gas and delivered a clutch efficiency that silenced the sector.
After the sport, Haliburton stated he was pissed off by the missed layup however knew he needed to again out and discover house. His celebration—a tribute to Sam Cassell and “Main League II”—was as iconic because the shot itself.
Supporting Forged and Key Performs
Andrew Nembhard’s inbounds steal was instrumental. Whereas his field rating contributions weren’t as flashy, that one defensive play shifted the sport’s momentum. The Pacers’ protection tightened when it mattered most, and their execution within the ultimate minute was flawless.
These defensive sequences have put the Pacers in a first-rate place. For the primary time in over a decade, Indiana is closing in on their second straight Japanese Convention Finals look. How they play the sport, well-rounded group ball, has put them on this place. That, plus sensible execution.
Now, the Pacers return residence with all the momentum and alternatives.
Historic and Collection Implications
The victory offers Indiana a 2-0 lead within the best-of-seven collection. For a franchise trying to return to Japanese Convention prominence, this efficiency might mark a turning level.
It additionally mirrors their Sport 5 win over the Bucks within the first spherical, the place they erased a 7-point deficit within the ultimate 40 seconds of additional time. These comeback victories at the moment are a defining characteristic of their 2025 playoff run.
Moreover, that is wanting just like the theme of the 2025 playoffs. Proper now, Haliburton and Aaron Gordon have gotten playoff legends for his or her comeback game-winners.
Common Season and Playoff Comparability
This postseason, each Cleveland and Indiana have been high-scoring groups.
Cleveland Cavaliers (Common Season Averages):
- Factors: 121.9
- FG%: 49.1% | 3P%: 38.3%
- Assists: 28.1 | Rebounds: 45.4
Indiana Pacers (Common Season Averages):
- Factors: 117.4
- FG%: 48.8% | 3P%: 36.8%
- Assists: 29.2 | Rebounds: 41.8
Playoff Averages (as of Sport 2):
- Cavs: 122.5 PPG, 49.2% FG, 38.5% 3P
- Pacers: 118.6 PPG, 50.6% FG, 41.3% 3P
Regardless of being underdogs, Indiana’s taking pictures effectivity and teamwork have given them the sting.
Fan Response and Cultural Buzz
Social media exploded within the aftermath. An X publish from @NBA declared, “TYRESE HALIBURTON WINS GAME 2 FOR THE PACERS 🤯🙇,” accompanied by surprised fan reactions. IndyStarSports wrote, “WATCH: Pacers followers lose their minds as Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second 3 offers Pacers 2-0 lead.”
Followers and analysts alike praised Haliburton’s composure and management, particularly given the latest participant survey the place he was voted “most overrated.”
What Comes Subsequent?
Sport 3 shifts to Indiana, the place the Pacers will look to construct on their momentum. Cleveland, regardless of its common season dominance, now faces the daunting process of stealing a win on the highway to remain within the collection.
For Haliburton, the highlight has by no means been brighter—and he’s proudly owning each second of it.
