Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] The Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers both came into Game 1 of their second-round series well-rested, but it was the underdog Pacers who delivered the early blow on Monday night.
Despite the Cavs entering as heavy favorites, Indiana stunned the home crowd with a 121-112 win, fueled by a dynamic offensive display.
The Cavaliers were without starting guard Darius Garland, whose absence was clearly felt, but their biggest issue was on the defensive end. Cleveland simply couldn’t contain the Pacers’ offense, led by a brilliant performance from Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton dictated the pace from start to finish, scoring 22 points and dishing out 13 assists on 9-of-15 shooting while committing just one turnover in 36 minutes.
He also contributed on the defensive end with a steal and three blocks—making him the first player in Pacers postseason history to record at least 22 points, 13 assists, three blocks, and a steal in a playoff game, per ESPN’s Jamal Collier.
“It gives us a lot of momentum, for sure, and you can definitely feel good about it for the night,” Haliburton said after the game. “But this is the best team in our conference. … They’re going to respond. We got to be prepared for that going into Game 2.”
With Indiana now up 1-0 and holding home-court advantage, the pressure shifts squarely onto the top-seeded Cavaliers. If Garland remains sidelined, Haliburton could continue to exploit the matchup—and potentially swing the series in the Pacers’ favor.