For much of Game 2, it seemed like the Cleveland Cavaliers had the Indiana Pacers right where they wanted them. The No. 1 seed built a commanding lead, fueled by Donovan Mitchell’s offensive brilliance.
But in the final moments, Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers flipped the script, delivering a dramatic 120-119 victory that left Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in stunned silence.
WHAT THE HALIBURTON??!! pic.twitter.com/WIKYeq271Y
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 7, 2025
Throughout the game, Cleveland fans showered Haliburton with chants of “overrated”. But instead of letting the noise shake his confidence, Haliburton used it as fuel.
“Yeah, that was unexpected,” Haliburton said after the game. “I didn’t know we had beef, but I mean, good for them. That came out of nowhere, but I think now that label’s there. It’s gonna be every time I play them on the road, so it’ll probably follow me until the next [players] poll comes out, and then we’ll see if I’m number one again. For me, I just control what I can.”
#Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton on the “overrated” chants:
“That one was unexpected. I didn’t know we had beef…. For me, I just control what I can, man. Overrate that.” pic.twitter.com/ZLOZPBjeq1
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) May 7, 2025
And control the game he did.
The Pacers trailed by as many as 20 points, struggling to contain Mitchell’s offensive explosion. But as the fourth quarter unfolded, Indiana clawed its way back into contention. With just 12.4 seconds remaining, Haliburton stepped up in the biggest moment.
After drawing a foul, he hit the first free throw to bring the Pacers within two points. He missed the second, but chased down the rebound, dribbled beyond the arc, and calmly sank the game-winning three-pointer, sealing the improbable comeback.
As the ball swished through the net, Haliburton couldn’t resist channeling NBA legend Sam Cassell, breaking out the iconic “Big Balls” celebration—a move that typically results in a fine from the league.
“I’ve been waiting for that. It was just right in the moment,” Haliburton said. “I’ll take that fine gladly.”
With the win, the Pacers now hold a 2-0 series lead, heading back to Indiana with momentum firmly on their side. Game 3 is set for Friday, where Haliburton and the Pacers will look to continue their Cinderella run against the top-seeded Cavaliers.
For now, though, Haliburton has made one thing clear—he’s far from overrated.
