In one of the most thrilling and heartbreaking playoff games of the 2025 NBA postseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a stunning defeat to the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of their second-round series. The game, which took place on May 6, 2025, saw the Cavaliers squander a commanding 20-point lead, ultimately losing 120–119 to the Pacers in the final seconds. Despite holding a substantial advantage in the final moments, Cleveland was undone by a series of critical mistakes and an extraordinary performance from Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton.
A Strong Start for the Cavaliers
The game began with Cleveland showcasing the kind of dominance that had made them one of the most formidable teams in the league this season. Led by the sensational Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers came out firing on all cylinders, quickly establishing a commanding lead in the first half. Mitchell’s offensive brilliance was on full display, as he aggressively attacked the basket and knocked down crucial shots from beyond the arc. His relentless play, which included 16 points in the first half, helped Cleveland take a commanding 60–50 lead at the break.
For much of the first half, the Pacers struggled to find any rhythm offensively. Despite solid contributions from Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith, the Pacers were unable to stop the Cavaliers’ fast pace and perimeter shooting. Cleveland’s defense, led by Jarrett Allen in the paint, stifled Indiana’s offensive flow, making it seem as though the Cavaliers were on track to even the series at 1-1.
Cavaliers’ Momentum Builds, But Indiana Finds Life
As the second half began, the Cavaliers continued to pile on the pressure. Mitchell was unstoppable, scoring 16 more points in the third quarter, and by the time the period ended, Cleveland had increased its lead to 12 points. It appeared as though the Cavaliers were in complete control, and many fans were starting to think about how Cleveland could bounce back after their tough Game 1 loss. With the Pacers struggling to generate consistent offense, the momentum was clearly on Cleveland’s side.
However, as is often the case in playoff basketball, the game was far from over. Indiana, led by the dynamic Tyrese Haliburton, slowly but surely began to chip away at Cleveland’s lead in the fourth quarter. Haliburton, who had been quiet for much of the game, found his rhythm late and started to connect on a series of clutch shots. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates gave the Pacers the lift they needed as they narrowed the gap.
A Stunning Final Minute: The Pacers’ Miraculous Comeback
With less than a minute remaining, Cleveland still held a commanding seven-point lead, and the game seemed all but decided. However, the final moments were nothing short of chaotic. First, Mitchell was called for an offensive foul while attempting to drive to the basket. This allowed the Pacers to push the ball up the court and convert a quick basket. Then, in a turn of events that left fans in disbelief, Cleveland’s Max Strus committed a costly turnover, which gave the Pacers another possession.
Indiana made the most of these opportunities, with Haliburton making a critical shot to trim the lead to just two points with 30 seconds remaining. The Cavs still had the chance to seal the win, but a missed free throw from Mitchell and a crucial defensive miscommunication in the final 20 seconds left the door wide open for the Pacers.
With only seconds left, Haliburton dribbled to the top of the key, where he was met by Cleveland’s defense. However, Haliburton managed to shake free and hit a step-back jumper over the outstretched arms of Jarrett Allen. The ball swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, giving Indiana a dramatic 120–119 victory and a 2-0 series lead.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Heroics: The Clutch Shot That Will Be Remembered
There is no question that Tyrese Haliburton was the hero of the game. The Pacers’ star point guard finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, but it was his late-game heroics that defined this contest. Haliburton’s step-back jumper over Allen, with just one second left on the clock, is sure to be one of the most iconic moments of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Haliburton’s performance showcased not only his scoring ability but also his poise under pressure. His calm demeanor as he sank the game-winning shot highlighted his growth as a player, and many consider him one of the brightest young stars in the league. Following the game, Haliburton expressed his excitement for the team’s performance, saying, “We never gave up. It was a total team effort, and I just had the opportunity to make the final shot.”
Cleveland’s Collapse: Mistakes Prove Costly
For Cleveland, the loss was nothing short of devastating. After playing so well for the majority of the game, the Cavaliers’ inability to execute down the stretch ultimately cost them the win. Several factors contributed to their collapse.
First, the Cavaliers were unable to get stops in critical moments. Despite holding a seven-point lead with under a minute left, Cleveland allowed the Pacers to score on consecutive possessions. Additionally, the Cavaliers’ late-game execution on offense was problematic. Mitchell, who had been so brilliant throughout the game, missed a key free throw in the closing moments, which could have given Cleveland a more comfortable lead.
Moreover, the Cavaliers’ defense faltered at the worst possible time. While Allen had been a force inside all game, the Cavs’ perimeter defense was nowhere to be found as Haliburton was allowed to create his own shot and hit the game-winner. The Cavaliers’ defensive lapses, combined with the failure to capitalize on offensive opportunities, spelled disaster for the team.
Mitchell’s Heroics Not Enough: A Career-High Performance
Despite the loss, Donovan Mitchell’s performance was extraordinary. The Cavaliers’ star guard finished with a career-high 48 points, shooting 17-of-29 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Mitchell’s explosive scoring ability kept Cleveland in the game, and it was clear that he was the primary offensive weapon for the Cavaliers. However, even Mitchell’s career-best performance couldn’t overcome the team’s struggles in crunch-time situations.
After the game, Mitchell took responsibility for the loss, saying, “I gave it everything I had, but we didn’t finish as a team. We’ve got to learn from this and come back stronger next time.”
Injuries and Absences: A Key Factor in Cleveland’s Struggles
The Cavaliers were already dealing with a number of injuries heading into Game 2, and the absence of key players likely played a role in their collapse. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter were all sidelined due to injuries, leaving Cleveland with a depleted roster. Garland, who has been an important playmaker for Cleveland throughout the season, was missed in this game, particularly in late-game situations when the team could have used his ball-handling and decision-making skills.
Mobley’s absence in the frontcourt also left Cleveland vulnerable defensively. The Pacers took advantage of this by attacking the paint and getting easy baskets in the second half. The lack of depth on Cleveland’s roster became more apparent as the game wore on, and their inability to close out the game ultimately proved costly.
Looking Ahead: The Cavaliers’ Road to Redemption
With the series now shifting to Indianapolis for Game 3, the Cavaliers find themselves in a difficult position. Down 2-0, Cleveland faces an uphill battle to avoid a potential sweep. The team will need to regroup quickly and find a way to overcome their injury woes. It will be a tall order, but the Cavaliers have the talent to bounce back.
For Cleveland to remain competitive in this series, they must improve their defense and execution in the clutch. Mitchell will need continued support from his teammates, and players like Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, and Isaac Okoro will need to step up. The Cavaliers have shown they can compete with the Pacers, but they must correct the mistakes that led to their Game 2 collapse.
The Pacers’ Momentum and Confidence
On the other hand, the Pacers are riding high after their dramatic Game 2 victory. Haliburton’s clutch shot, combined with strong performances from Turner and Nesmith, has given the team newfound confidence. Indiana now heads home with a 2-0 lead and an opportunity to put the Cavaliers in a serious hole with a win in Game 3.
The Pacers’ deep roster, with contributions from multiple players, makes them a dangerous team moving forward. If they can maintain their strong play and continue to execute in crunch-time situations, they may just have what it takes to advance deep into the playoffs.
Final Thoughts: A Series to Remember
This series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. While the Cavaliers face an uphill battle, the Pacers are gaining confidence with each game. As Game 3 approaches, all eyes will be on Cleveland to see if they can recover from this heartbreaking loss and turn the series around.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered incredible drama and excitement, and this series is a prime example of the unpredictability and intensity of postseason basketball. Stay tuned for more updates as the Cavaliers and Pacers continue their playoff journey.