TYRESE Haliburton delivered a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining, capping an improbable 8-0 run by the Indiana Pacers in the final 48 seconds to stun the top-seeded, short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 on Tuesday night (Wednesday, May 7, 2025, PH time).
The victory gives Indiana a commanding 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinals series.
Haliburton scored 11 of his 19 points in the decisive fourth quarter. The dramatic sequence began after Andrew Nembhard stole an inbounds pass from Cleveland’s Max Strus with 27.5 seconds left.
Indiana, trailing, looked for a potential game-tying three-pointer, but the play broke down, leading to Haliburton driving to the basket, where he drew a foul.
Haliburton calmly made the first free throw, but missed the second. Demonstrating remarkable awareness and hustle, Haliburton secured the offensive rebound.
He then dribbled out beyond the arc and coolly sank a three-pointer from the top of the key, silencing the Cleveland crowd and completing the stunning comeback.
This marks the second consecutive game where Haliburton has delivered clutch plays in the closing moments. The fifth-year guard scored 22 points in Indiana’s 121-112 victory in the series opener on Sunday, including a crucial go-ahead three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter.
“Obviously, we got lucky. Ty hit another amazing shot to win the game,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged. “You don’t see this very often, let alone twice in one week. Tyrese, he came through again. We’re very fortunate.”
Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith led the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers with 23 points apiece. This is the first time the Pacers have won the first two games of a playoff series on the road since a 1994 first-round matchup
against Orlando.
Donovan Mitchell delivered a heroic performance for Cleveland, scoring 48 points.
However, the Cavaliers were significantly hampered by injuries, missing three key players, including two starters. NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley (left ankle) and key reserve De’Andre Hunter (right thumb) were injured in Game 1, while Darius Garland (left big toe) missed his fourth consecutive postseason game.
Warriors win Game 1
The Golden State Warriors overcame Stephen Curry’s injury to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1.
Curry exited early with a hamstring strain, but Golden State’s supporting cast stepped up.
Buddy Hield scored 24 points, fueled by strong three-point shooting, and Draymond Green added 18.
Jimmy Butler delivered a dominant all-around performance with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Golden State’s defense proved crucial in limiting Minnesota. The Timberwolves struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 5-29. / From the wires