David Richard - Imagn Images
Through three quarters, the Indiana Pacers looked like they were going to let a golden opportunity to take a 2-0 lead on the road slip right through their fingers. Tyrese Haliburton and company wre playing poor defense against a shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers team playing with significantly more energy than Indiana was.
But, like teams have been doing lately in the NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers melted down in the 4th quarter, blowing a 14-point lead at the start of the quarter and a seven-point lead with under a minute to go. Tyrese Haliburton hit a monster three to put the Pacers up by one with just one second remaining, and did the “big balls” celebration on The Cavs’ court.
After beating Cleveland in Game 1, Game 2 was a prime opportunity for the Pacers to win both road games to start the series and take a commanding lead back home. The Cavs were once again missing Darius Garland, and were also without star Evan Mobley and important swingman DeAndre Hunter. But, the Pacers were awful defensively and got out to a slow start on offense, hence the previous deficits.
But, the Cavs just completely collapsed down the stretch, and let a late seven-point lead dwindle to two. Then, this happened.
What a shot. Take a look at the celebration.
An INSANE game winner + celebration from Haliburton. What a game. pic.twitter.com/SBnhVdN1uP
— Coach Gibson Pyper (@HalfCourtHoops) May 7, 2025
Oh no. They got big balled on their own court. That’s just insult to injury for Cavaliers fans.
The Cavaliers need to get healhty and they need to get healthy quickly. Game 3 is on Friday.