For the second year in a row, the Indiana Pacers are returning to the conference finals, this time rather emphatically. Nobody could have predicted the Pacers knocking off the Cleveland Cavaliers, the top seed in the East, in only five games. Tonight’s 114-105 victory in Cleveland sent one of the title favorites home with a whimper.
As usual, Donovan Mitchell ($9,100, 58.75 FPTS) led the way for the Cavs. He recorded another 30-point game, but his performance in the clutch will keep him up at night. Down 106-100 with two minutes to play, Mitchell went to the line for three free throws and missed them all. Though he did score 13 straight points for the Cavs in the fourth quarter, he’ll be kicking himself for that.
It was a strong performance as well from Evan Mobley ($7,500, 45.25 FPTS) who seems recovered from the ankle injury he suffered early in the series. The same cannot be said for Darius Garland ($6,600, 18 FPTS), who looks thoroughly hobbled by his toe injury. It’s a tough end to his campaign after rebounding from a tragic 2023-24 season. It’s safe to say the Cavaliers will have plenty of questions to answer after they’re finished licking their wounds.
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton ($8,400, 53.5 FPTS) came through in a big way, racking up 31 points alongside six rebounds and eight assists. His playoff resume in Indiana is growing quite impressive. The Pacers got essential contributions from Pascal Siakam ($6,300, 45.5 FPTS) and Andrew Nembhard ($5,800, 35.25 FPTS) as well.
The Pacers will wait to see how quickly the Knicks can finish off the reeling Boston Celtics. Once that series is over, we’ll know when Game 1 is slated to be played. Indiana will be on the road either way.
