Wed May 07 08:33:37 UTC 2025: ## Pacers Steal Game 2 From Cavs in Thrilling Finish, Take Series Lead

**Indianapolis, IN** – Tyrese Haliburton’s incredible last-second three-pointer secured a 120-119 victory for the Indiana Pacers over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. The win gives the Pacers a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Haliburton’s heroics came after he grabbed his own missed free throw with 1.1 seconds remaining, then calmly sank a three-pointer to complete an improbable comeback from a 20-point deficit. The Pacers outscored the Cavs 8-0 in the final minute to snatch the victory.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with a phenomenal 48 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds, and four steals. However, Cleveland was severely hampered by the absences of three key players: Evan Mobley (ankle), Darius Garland (toe), and De’Andre Hunter (thumb). These injuries, sustained in the previous game, left the Cavaliers shorthanded and unable to fully counter Indiana’s late-game surge.

“We outplayed them for most of the game, but we ran out of gas,” said Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson. Jarrett Allen added 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Max Strus contributed 23 points for Cleveland.

For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner each scored 23 points, while Bennedict Mathurin added 19. Haliburton finished with 19 points, many crucial ones in the fourth quarter, and Andrew Nembhard provided a strong all-around game with 13 points, 13 assists, and 7 rebounds.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience, acknowledging the Cavaliers’ early dominance but highlighting Indiana’s ability to persevere through adversity. He credited the team’s depth as a key factor in wearing down Cleveland. Haliburton himself expressed his confidence and enjoyment of performing under pressure.

The series now shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday, with the Pacers looking to extend their lead and inch closer to the Conference Finals. The Cavaliers, facing significant injury issues, will need to find a way to overcome their absences and regroup if they hope to stay alive in the series.

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