In a thrilling Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers pulled off a stunning upset against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers with a 121-112 victory. Tyrese Haliburton was the star of the night, notching 22 points and 13 assists while also making key defensive plays, including a crucial block on a 3-point attempt that he turned into a layup. The Pacers' sharpshooting from beyond the arc, going 19-of-36, was a major factor in their success, with Andrew Nembhard contributing 23 points, including five 3-pointers.
Despite a valiant effort from Donovan Mitchell, who scored 33 points for the Cavaliers, it wasn't enough to overcome the Pacers' balanced scoring attack. Indiana held a 12-point lead at one point before Cleveland mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, briefly taking the lead before ultimately falling short. With all five Pacers' starters reaching double figures in scoring, including Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam with 17 points each, Indiana now looks ahead to Game 2 in what promises to be an intense series against the Cavaliers.