Indiana Pacers knock off top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers as Tyrese Haliburton sparks stunning Eastern Conference Finals return

The Indiana Pacers are heading back to the Eastern Conference Finals after knocking out the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers with a commanding 114-105 victory in Game 5. The Pacers closed the series in Cleveland on Tuesday night, ending the Cavaliers' hopes of a title run and showcasing just how much this young Pacers squad has matured. It marks Indiana’s second straight trip to the East Finals — this year, they’ve done it by toppling a 64-win team.

The Indiana Pacers eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers to secure a spot in the Playoff Finals

Loud cheers in the Indiana Pacers locker room as they have clinched a stunning victory defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in a fierce battle. While the Cavaliers steamrolled through the first round, sweeping the Miami Heat and setting a record for the largest point differential in a playoff series, they ran into a different beast in the Pacers. Indiana came into the second round as underdogs, but their depth and explosive backcourt, led by Tyrese Haliburton , brought the team to this moment.

TYRESE HALIBURTON LEADS PACERS TO SECOND-STRAIGHT EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS BERTH 💯

🔥 31 PTS
🔥 8 AST
🔥 6 REB
🔥 10-15 FGM
🔥 6-10 3PM

The @Pacers will face either the Celtics or the Knicks! pic.twitter.com/6qAL2wOtk4

— NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2025

And speaking of Haliburton, he might have delivered his most defining playoff performance yet in the Game 5 clincher. The 24-year-old point guard was a force on both ends, racking up 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting. He buried 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, dished out 8 assists, and added 6 rebounds. His +27 plus-minus was a clear indicator of just how dominant he was when on the floor.

It was also interesting how he responded to the noise. After being labeled the “most overrated” player recently, Haliburton didn't shy away. He has been almost consistent, and his clutch Game 2 buzzer-beater and Game 5 explosion sealed Cleveland’s fate.

The Cavaliers fought hard as well, particularly Donovan Mitchell , who did everything he could to will his team forward. Mitchell scored a game-high 35 points on Tuesday, despite battling a painful ankle injury.

Unfortunately for Cleveland, injuries to core players like Darius Garland, who played through a sprained toe, and others disrupted their rhythm. They missed too many open shots, especially from deep, and failed to match Indiana’s energy and execution.

Mitchell's efforts, especially considering his limited mobility in Game 5, will likely be overshadowed by the Cavs' collapse.

Also Read: “We love watching them together": Savannah James once spilled beans on the movie genre that brings the James family together

The Pacers now await the winner of the Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks series. With Haliburton leading the charge and Indiana playing its best basketball at the right time while they're chasing history.