In a surprising turn of events, our Cleveland Cavaliers opened their Eastern Conference semifinal series with a 121–112 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The Cavaliers, who had swept the Miami Heat in the first round, found themselves outmatched by a Pacers team that capitalized on Cleveland’s shooting struggles and defensive lapses.
Donovan Mitchell’s Scoring Streak Continues
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 33 points, marking his eighth consecutive playoff game scoring over 30 points, breaking Michael Jordan’s record for the most consecutive 30-point playoff games to open a series. However, Mitchell’s performance was marred by inefficiency from beyond the arc, hitting only 1 of 11 three-point attempts. Evan Mobley added 20 points and contributed defensively, but the absence of All-Star guard Darius Garland, sidelined due to a toe injury, was keenly felt,
Cavaliers’ Struggles from Three-Point Range
Cleveland’s three-point shooting woes were evident, as they connected on just 24% of their attempts, compared to Indiana’s impressive 53% from beyond the arc. The Pacers’ perimeter shooting was led by Andrew Nembhard, who scored 23 points, including 5 of 6 from three-point range. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 22 points and 13 assists, while Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith each added 17 points. Myles Turner recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring Indiana’s defense.
Cavaliers’ Supporting Cast Falls Short
With Garland unavailable, Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill were thrust into larger roles but struggled to make an impact. Both players received failing grades for their performances, marked by poor decision-making and defensive issues. Max Strus and De’Andre Hunter had mixed performances; Strus struggled with his shot but contributed elsewhere, while Hunter offered solid defense but limited offensive impact. Dean Wade shined defensively despite not scoring, and Isaac Okoro was solid defensively but a liability on offense.
Pacers Capitalize on Cavaliers’ Rust
The Cavaliers entered the game after a six-day break, and the rust was apparent. Indiana took advantage with key runs in the third and fourth quarters, outscoring Cleveland and securing the win. Despite a strong push from Cleveland in the second half, the Pacers’ efficient offense and strong defense in the final minutes sealed the victory.
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers now face a critical Game 2 on Tuesday, May 6, in Cleveland. With Garland’s status uncertain, Cleveland will need to regroup quickly, especially on offense and perimeter defense, to avoid falling further behind in the series. The absence of Garland has left a significant void in the Cavaliers’ lineup, and the supporting cast must step up to match the Pacers’ intensity and execution.