In a stunning Eastern Conference showdown, the Indiana Pacers have booked their place in the NBA Finals after toppling the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a dramatic playoff series that concluded last night. The Pacers, considered underdogs heading into the matchup, pulled off a remarkable 4-2 series victory, capped by a 107-101 win on Cleveland’s home court.
This marks the Pacers’ first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades, and their journey has captured the imagination of basketball fans nationwide. Led by emerging superstar Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s blend of youthful energy and strategic discipline proved too much for a Cavaliers team that had dominated the regular season.
Haliburton, who notched 28 points and 12 assists in Game 6, was instrumental throughout the series. His clutch shooting, court vision, and leadership were on full display, especially in the fourth quarter where he orchestrated a 12-2 run that silenced the Cleveland crowd and secured the win.
“I believed in this group from day one,” said Haliburton during the post-game press conference. “We’ve grown a lot this season, and we knew we could compete with anyone when we played our brand of basketball.”
The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, struggled to find consistency against Indiana’s relentless pace and tight perimeter defense. Despite Mitchell’s 34-point performance in the final game, Cleveland’s supporting cast failed to rise to the occasion, and costly turnovers late in the game sealed their fate.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience and preparation: “This team is fearless. Every guy in that locker room earned this. We didn’t come this far to stop now.”
The Pacers now await the winner of the Western Conference Finals, with momentum and confidence firmly on their side. Whether facing the defending champion Nuggets or the high-flying Timberwolves, one thing is clear: Indiana is ready for the biggest stage in basketball.
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