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Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton buzzer beater steals Cavs' hearts in crazy playoff comeback

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The Sporting News
17h ago
Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton buzzer beater steals Cavs' hearts in crazy playoff comeback

Context:

In a dramatic playoff game, the Indiana Pacers staged a remarkable comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Tyrese Haliburton played a crucial role, missing a critical free throw but seizing the rebound to set up a game-winning shot. Despite being in control for most of the game, the Cavaliers' lead was dismantled by key plays from the Pacers, including a pivotal steal by Andrew Nembhard. Haliburton's clutch performance, marked by his final shot, became a defining moment for the Pacers, while the Cavs were left stunned by the sudden turn of events. This thrilling victory underscored Haliburton's emerging status and delivered a heartbreaking loss for the Cavaliers.

Dive Deeper:

  • The Indiana Pacers managed an incredible comeback in a playoff match against the Cleveland Cavaliers, erasing a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to seize victory.

  • Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental in the Pacers' win, recovering his own missed free throw to orchestrate a sequence that ended with his decisive game-winning shot.

  • Cleveland appeared to have secured the game with a 117-110 lead following Max Strus's three-pointer, but the Pacers responded with pivotal plays, including Aaron Nesmith's putback dunk and Pascal Siakam's scoring drive.

  • A crucial turnover by the Cavaliers, resulting from an Andrew Nembhard steal, set the stage for Haliburton's subsequent foul and eventual game-clinching performance.

  • Despite being labeled as the 'most overrated player,' Haliburton's clutch play in the game's final moments marked the biggest shot of his NBA career, leaving the Cavaliers to grapple with a devastating loss.

  • The Indiana Pacers were down 14 points in the fourth quarter. The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite being shorthanded, were in control.

  • And then Indiana came all the way back.

  • Still, it looked like it might not quite be enough. Down two points with about 10 seconds left, Tyrese Haliburton missed his second free throw and the ball bounded away.

  • But there was Haliburton, somehow gathering in the rebound.

  • The Pacers played the sequence out. Haliburton dribbled to the top of the key.

  • He sized up his defender, crossed over and stepped back.

  • Game.

  • Cleveland didn't get off a desperation heave with just a second remaining, and the Pacers had an insane win.

  • — The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 7, 2025 MORE: Donovan Mitchell throws down poster dunk of his life

  • The Cavs looked to have the game wrapped up when Max Strus swished a 3-pointer for a 117-110 lead with 1:08 to play.

  • Haliburton answered that with a quick layup before Donovan Mitchell made two foul shots for the final Cleveland points and a 119-112 lead.

  • The Pacers got a spark from an Aaron Nesmith putback dunk, then Pascal Siakim scored going to the hoop.

  • The Cavs turned the ball over, an Andrew Nembhard steal, and that set up Haliburton's drive to get fouled down three.

  • The NBA's amusingly named "most overrated player" made the first, missed the second and was first to the miss.

  • That's when Haliburton delivered the biggest shot of his NBA career.

  • It's the stuff legends are made of for the Pacers.

  • For the Cavs? It was a nightmare.

  • MORE: How long is Evan Mobley out?

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