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Haliburton scores 31, Pacers eliminate top-seeded Cavs 4-1 to reach East Finals

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Updated May 14, 2025, 05:04 AM

The Indiana Pacers advanced to the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season, defeating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 114-105 in Game 5 on Tuesday night in Cleveland to capture the best-of-seven semifinal series 4-1.

Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, while adding eight assists and six rebounds. The Pacers overcame a 19-point first-half deficit, outscoring Cleveland 55-24 during one decisive stretch. Pascal Siakam contributed 21 points and eight rebounds, Andrew Nembhard scored 18, and Aaron Nesmith grabbed 13 rebounds. Center Myles Turner, who finished with 10 points, seven boards and four blocks, buried a late three-pointer that sealed the win.

Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points, but the Cavaliers, holders of a 64-18 regular-season record and fresh off a first-round sweep of Miami, were unable to protect their early lead or extend the series. The defeat ends Cleveland’s season and marks the second straight year the Cavaliers have fallen short of the conference finals.

Indiana, now making its 10th appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, will face either the Boston Celtics or the New York Knicks for a berth in the NBA Finals.

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