NBA Playoffs: Haliburton's Last-Minute 3-Pointer Stuns Cavaliers; Warriors Secure Win Without Curry

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Tyrese Haliburton's last-second 3-pointer lifted the Indiana Pacers to a dramatic 120-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers scored eight points in the final 47.9 seconds, securing a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinals series. Haliburton contributed significantly, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, showcasing his clutch performance.

Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell was outstanding, scoring 48 points despite missing key teammates. Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter were injured in Game 1, while Darius Garland missed his fourth consecutive playoff game. Mitchell's efforts helped the Cavaliers build a substantial lead, but they couldn't maintain it against Indiana's late surge.

Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith each scored 23 points for Indiana, leading their team to its first road playoff series start with two wins since 1994 against Orlando. The Pacers capitalised on Cleveland's turnovers and offensive rebounds to secure their comeback victory. This marks a significant achievement for Indiana as they continue their playoff journey.

The Cavaliers had a seven-point lead with just over a minute left after Max Strus hit a crucial 3-pointer. However, turnovers and missed opportunities allowed the Pacers to seize control. Cleveland's loss marked the first time they dropped their opening two home games in the playoffs since facing the Knicks in 1996.

The Golden State Warriors overcame Stephen Curry's early exit due to a hamstring strain to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in their second-round opener. Buddy Hield and Draymond Green stepped up from beyond the arc, contributing significantly to the Warriors' success without their star player.

Hield continued his strong performance from Game 7 against Houston by scoring 24 points with five successful three-pointers. Green added four first-half threes, finishing with 18 points. Their efforts helped Golden State maintain momentum despite Curry's absence, showcasing their depth and resilience.

Minnesota struggled from long range, missing their first 16 three-point attempts before Naz Reid finally connected in the third quarter. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 23 points and 14 rebounds but faced shooting difficulties throughout the game.

The Timberwolves have another opportunity to secure a home win in Game 2 on Thursday. Meanwhile, questions linger about Curry's availability for future games as he recovers from his injury. The Warriors' defensive strategy effectively limited Minnesota's shooting efficiency, contributing to their victory.