The NBA's conference semifinals have defied expectations with all road teams winning Game 1 and taking control of the series. The underdog Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks surprised the favorites, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, by winning both Game 2s on the road despite their regular-season dominance. Particularly striking was Indiana's sharpshooting from beyond the arc, while Cleveland struggled to find their range, leading to an unexpected 2-0 deficit for the Cavaliers. The injuries plaguing Cleveland, including key players like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, add another layer of intrigue to the series as they head home for a must-win Game 3.
On the other side, the Celtics find themselves in a similar 2-0 hole against the resilient Knicks despite their strong regular-season performance. Boston's struggles with outside shooting have been a significant factor in their losses, with stars like Jayson Tatum coming up short in critical moments. However, the Celtics' track record in clutch situations and their overall health give them hope as they head to New York seeking a crucial Game 3 victory. The unexpected twists and turns in both series have set the stage for thrilling matchups as the underdogs look to continue their surprising run in the conference semifinals.