Cavaliers vs Pacers Full Match Highlights and Recap: Pacers Eliminated Cavaliers, Reach Eastern Conference Finals

Cavaliers vs Pacers Full Match Highlights and Recap: The Indiana Pacers have clinched the first ticket to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals after a stunning Game 5 comeback against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.

Despite facing a daunting 19-point deficit in the second quarter, Indiana surged back behind a sensational performance from Tyrese Haliburton and relentless team execution on both ends of the court. The final score read 114-105 in favor of the Pacers, who silenced the Cleveland crowd and wrapped up the series 4-1.

Cleveland, who finished the regular season with a conference-best 64 wins, appeared in control early, riding the hot hand of Donovan Mitchell. However, their offensive rhythm faltered after halftime while Indiana flipped the script with timely three-pointers, tough defensive stands, and clutch plays down the stretch. Now, the Pacers will wait to face either the New York Knicks or Boston Celtics for a chance to reach the NBA Finals.

Cavaliers vs Pacers Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter – Cavaliers 31, Pacers 19

Cleveland stormed out of the gates with Donovan Mitchell leading the charge, scoring 13 points in the opening period. Evan Mobley chipped in with 10 as the Cavaliers built a dominant early advantage. Indiana, meanwhile, struggled to find their footing offensively, with Haliburton limited to just two points via free throws.

Second Quarter – Cavaliers 56, Pacers 52

The Pacers began to mount a response in the second frame. Tyrese Haliburton erupted with 15 points — all from beyond the arc — to spark a 27-9 run that trimmed Cleveland’s 19-point lead down to just four at the half. Mitchell cooled off during this stretch, while Indiana’s ball movement and perimeter shooting began to turn the tide.

Third Quarter – Pacers 85, Cavaliers 76

Indiana came out of the locker room with momentum and took complete control of the game. A massive 26-5 run gave them their first lead, which they would not relinquish. Cleveland’s offense became stagnant, and their three-point shooting woes continued — going just 4-for-21 from deep at this point. Haliburton pushed his total to a game-high 24 points by the end of the quarter.

Fourth Quarter – Final: Pacers 114, Cavaliers 105

Cleveland made one final push, closing the gap to just one point midway through the final quarter. However, the Pacers responded with poise, closing the game on a decisive 16-8 run. Myles Turner sealed the win with a dagger three-pointer in the final 30 seconds. Haliburton finished with 31 points, while Mitchell tallied a game-high 35 in a losing effort.

Cavaliers vs Pacers Key Takeaways

Tyrese Haliburton delivered a clutch playoff performance, scoring 31 points and leading Indiana’s second-quarter rally and third-quarter dominance.

The Pacers outshot Cleveland from deep, hitting 12-of-28 (42.9%) three-pointers compared to the Cavaliers’ dismal 4-of-21 (19%).

Cleveland’s offense faded after the first quarter, with limited ball movement and poor perimeter shooting disrupting their early momentum.

Myles Turner’s late-game three-pointer all but sealed Indiana’s victory, epitomizing their confidence in clutch moments.

Indiana’s Game 5 win wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement. After falling behind early on the road, the Pacers demonstrated composure, resilience, and playoff toughness, qualities often associated with championship-caliber teams. Tyrese Haliburton stepped up when it mattered most, and the supporting cast delivered timely plays that chipped away at Cleveland’s confidence.

For the Cavaliers, the loss marks a bitter end to a dominant regular season. Despite boasting the league's best record in the East, they were unable to counter Indiana’s intensity and sharp execution. With their season now over, Cleveland will face an offseason full of questions, while Indiana sets its sights on the Eastern Conference crown.