The Indiana Pacers pulled off a surprising late comeback to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 in Game 2 of their NBA playoff sequence on Tuesday evening, leaving the top-seeded Cavs in deep trouble.
Regardless of holding a seven-point lead with simply 48 seconds left, the Cavaliers collapsed as Indiana scored the ultimate eight factors of the sport to steal the win. The sequence now strikes to Indianapolis with the Pacers holding a 2-0 lead, and the Cavaliers battling key accidents.
Cleveland have been already lacking All-Stars Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, alongside with key bench participant De’Andre Hunter — and their availability for Game 3 stays unsure.
Pacers Make Historical past with Grit and Battle
Groups main by seven factors within the closing 48 seconds of a playoff sport had gained 1,679 occasions and misplaced simply twice earlier than Tuesday. Remarkably, the Pacers now personal two of these uncommon wins, the opposite coming simply final week towards Milwaukee.
Indiana as soon as once more confirmed resilience beneath stress, with Aaron Nesmith taking part in a key function. The 25-year-old scored a playoff career-high 23 factors, together with 15 within the second half. His putback dunk and drawn offensive foul within the closing seconds helped spark Indiana’s profitable run.
Mitchell Shines – However It’s Not Sufficient
Donovan Mitchell was sensible for Cleveland, scoring 48 factors and offering 9 assists. He dominated within the paint and hit 17 of 21 free throws, attempting to carry his injury-hit staff. However regardless of his efforts, Cleveland couldn’t maintain on within the closing moments.
This defeat provides extra stress on Mitchell, who has now reached the second spherical 4 occasions in his profession however has by no means superior additional. With the Cavaliers down 0-2 and struggling with accidents, historical past might repeat itself.
Errors Price Cleveland
Max Strus had a robust sport with 23 factors, however his second-half efficiency faltered. His most expensive error got here with 24.7 seconds remaining — a careless inbound cross that was simply stolen by Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard, organising the Pacers’ game-winning surge.
Turnovers Nonetheless an Subject for Indiana
Regardless of the win, Indiana dedicated 18 turnovers — their largest weak spot to this point within the sequence. That they had 9 within the first quarter alone, falling behind by 17 factors early. If Cleveland are to discover a means again, punishing these errors shall be key.
Game 3 is ready for Friday in Indianapolis, the place the Pacers will strive to lengthen their lead and the Cavaliers will hope to preserve their playoff desires alive.
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