KEYPOINTS SUMMARY – Haliburton’s Buzzer-Beater
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Indiana Pacers stun Cavs 120-119 to take a shocking 2-0 series lead – Haliburton’s Buzzer-Beater
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Haliburton drains go-ahead 3-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left
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Pacers close game on an 8-0 run in final 48 seconds
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Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith lead Pacers with 23 points each
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Donovan Mitchell scores 48 but Cleveland falls short without key starters
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Indiana returns home up 2-0 with all the momentum in the series
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Betting odds swing wildly as Pacers become Eastern Conference contenders
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Haliburton’s missed free throw, rebound, and 3-pointer leave fans stunned
Indiana Pacers Lead Cavaliers After Haliburton’s Game-Winner Shakes NBA
What just happened?!
The Indiana Pacers pulled off one of the most stunning playoff finishes in recent memory, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 on the road Tuesday night to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
And it all came down to Tyrese Haliburton’s miracle 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left.
The shot? Clutch.
The crowd? Silenced.
The internet? MELTING.
Indiana is officially on fire.
Haliburton’s Final Minute Magic: From Miss to Hero
It looked like Cleveland had the game in the bag. They led 119-112 with under a minute left.
Then everything unraveled.
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Andrew Nembhard stole an inbounds pass with 27.5 seconds left
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Haliburton got fouled, down by three
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He made the first free throw… and missed the second
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He grabbed his own rebound, ran to the top of the key, and drained the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left
“I didn’t think about it,” Haliburton said postgame. “I just knew we weren’t done.”
Whether that missed free throw was intentional or just lucky? Doesn’t matter. It led to one of the coldest playoff shots in Pacers history.
Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith Bring the Firepower
While Haliburton hit the buzzer-beater, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith did the heavy lifting all night.
Both scored 23 points, hitting key shots and keeping the game within reach even when the Cavs were rolling.
This was a full-team win for Indiana. And a loud one.
“We’ve got heart,” Turner said. “This isn’t the same Pacers team from before.”
Donovan Mitchell Drops 48 in Vain
Let’s be real — Donovan Mitchell was electric.
He scored 48 points, hit everything from deep, and carried a short-handed Cavs squad that was missing:
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Evan Mobley (ankle)
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De’Andre Hunter (thumb)
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Darius Garland (toe)
Mitchell did all he could, but the lack of help finally caught up to Cleveland in the final seconds.
“It hurts,” Mitchell said. “But we’ve still got games left.”
Pacers Make History: First 2-0 Road Lead Since 1994
Believe it or not, this is the first time since 1994 that the Pacers have won the first two games of a playoff series on the road.
That year? They shocked Orlando.
This year? They’ve taken down the top-seeded Cavs — in Cleveland — twice.
And now they’re going home to a sold-out Gainbridge Fieldhouse, up 2-0, with a real shot at the Eastern Conference Finals.
Betting Odds Flip: From Long Shot to Favorite
Just a week ago, the Pacers were ranked dead last in most betting books to win the East.
Now?
They’re neck-and-neck with the Celtics as the top pick to win the East Finals.
If they win Game 3?
Start talking about the Pacers as legit NBA title contenders.
Short-Handed Cavs: Can They Survive This Series?
Cleveland is in serious trouble.
Without three key players and with Mitchell doing everything, they’re one step away from collapse.
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Mobley’s return is uncertain
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Garland’s injury lingers
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Hunter’s absence has wrecked the second unit
They’ve now lost two heartbreakers at home. And Game 3 in Indiana could be the knockout punch.
Inside the Final 48 Seconds: Chaos, Steals, and Shock
Let’s break it down:
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47.9 seconds left: Cavs lead 119-112
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44.2 seconds: Nesmith scores, 119-114
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34.9 seconds: Cavs turnover
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29.7 seconds: Turner layup, 119-116
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27.5 seconds: Nembhard steals the inbounds
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12.3 seconds: Haliburton fouled
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11.9 seconds: Missed free throw, rebound, and GO-AHEAD THREE
In less than 48 seconds, the Pacers flipped the game and flipped the series.
What’s Next? Game 3 in Indy Will Be Electric
Next up? Game 3 in Indiana.
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Date: Friday night
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Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
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Crowd: Already being called the “loudest in years”
If the Pacers win again?
They go up 3-0, and Cleveland will be on the edge of elimination.
Is This the Beginning of a Cinderella Run?
Let’s remember:
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The Pacers weren’t expected to make it this far
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Haliburton was considered a rising star — now he’s becoming a superstar
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The team is gelling at the right time
They’ve got shooters.
They’ve got defense.
And they’ve got chemistry.
And now, they’ve got momentum.
Indiana Pacers Lead Cavaliers and Shock the NBA
It’s official. The Indiana Pacers lead Cavaliers 2-0, and the NBA has been flipped upside down.
Tyrese Haliburton just had his Reggie Miller moment.
The Pacers just broke Cleveland’s hearts.
And the Eastern Conference has a new contender.
This isn’t a fluke. This is a team on a mission.
Strap in, Indiana fans — this ride might not end until the Finals.