The Indiana Pacers weren’t supposed to breeze past the Cleveland Cavaliers—at least, not according to the regular-season standings. The Cavaliers entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting a 64-win season and one of the most balanced rosters in the league.
Yet, when the two teams met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Indiana dominated the series, winning in just five games. So, what went wrong for Cleveland? And what makes Indiana so dangerous?
Cleveland’s downfall was a mix of injuries, poor execution, and an inability to handle Indiana’s relentless pace. The Cavs couldn’t keep up with Indiana’s ball movement and efficiency and struggled where it mattered most—on their home court. Despite entering the series with the East’s top seed, they failed to win a single game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Their inability to protect home court was a glaring issue, showing that the pressure of the playoffs weighed heavily on the team. Cleveland’s turnovers were another major concern, as they committed 22 in Game 4 alone, allowing Indiana to capitalize in transition.
But the Pacers’ dominance wasn’t just a result of Cleveland’s shortcomings—it was a testament to how well Indiana has built its team around ball movement and offensive fluidity. Tyrese Haliburton silenced doubters with his leadership, delivering a standout 31-point, 8-assist performance in Game 5 to close out the series. Indiana didn’t rely on a single star; instead, they attacked Cleveland with a balanced offensive approach, spreading the floor and sharing the basketball.
One of the key factors that made the Pacers so successful was their ability to dictate the pace. Throughout the series, Cleveland struggled to keep up with Indiana’s fast-moving offense, and by the time they adjusted, it was already too late. The Pacers forced the Cavs into uncomfortable situations, particularly in transition, and it became clear that Indiana was simply the more cohesive unit.
Now, with an Eastern Conference Finals matchup ahead, the Pacers will face either the Boston Celtics or the New York Knicks. If they continue to play with the same unselfishness and tempo that dismantled Cleveland, they could be a legitimate threat to reach the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers enter the offseason with major questions, from Donovan Mitchell’s future to how they can improve their depth and defensive consistency.
For Indiana, this run has proven that team chemistry and style of play can matter more than individual talent. They didn’t just defeat Cleveland—they exposed the flaws in the Cavs’ system and showed why their approach to the game is built for playoff success.
