The Cleveland Cavaliers fell short in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup, losing 121–112 to the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Led by a poised and highly efficient Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers delivered a statement performance on the road.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged Indiana’s stellar execution following the loss, crediting their offensive rhythm and hot shooting as major factors in the outcome. “Their shot-making was otherworldly… give them credit,” Atkinson said, per team reporter Danny Cunningham. “I thought our offense let us down a little bit.”
Indiana shot a blistering 53% from the field and an impressive 52.8% from beyond the arc, converting 19 three-pointers to Cleveland’s nine. The Pacers’ balanced scoring attack proved too much for the Cavaliers to handle.
All five Indiana starters scored in double figures, with Bennedict Mathurin also contributing off the bench. The well-rounded effort reflected the strong team chemistry that has defined the Pacers throughout the postseason.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the third quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers
Haliburton’s statement game
After being controversially labeled as the most overrated player in the league in a recent anonymous poll, Tyrese Haliburton continues to let his game do the talking. The All-Star guard finished with 22 points, 13 assists, three rebounds, one steal, and three blocks in a commanding two-way performance.
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He received plenty of help from his teammates. Andrew Nembhard erupted for a game-high 33 points and six assists, while Aaron Nesmith added 17 points and eight boards. Pascal Siakam also tallied 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, and Myles Turner posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Indiana’s synergy on both ends of the court was evident throughout the night, with clearly defined roles and efficient ball movement setting the tone.
Mitchell’s effort not enough
Despite the loss, Donovan Mitchell once again shouldered the scoring load for Cleveland, putting up 33 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. But without Darius Garland—who is expected to miss at least another week with a lingering injury—the Cavaliers lacked a second creator to match Indiana’s firepower. Game 2 will be critical for Cleveland as they look to regroup and even the NBA series at home before heading to Indiana.
