CLEVELAND — Missing a free throw, securing the rebound, and then sinking a game-winning 3-pointer all in a span of just 12 seconds? This is the kind of thrilling moment that embodies the essence of basketball dreams. “It’s a special feeling, man. It’s a lot of fun,” said Tyrese Haliburton after the game. “Any basketball fan, or anyone involved in basketball, has imagined being a kid in the driveway with time winding down, shooting and missing, then putting more time on the clock. I’m just having fun out there. And winning is fun.”
On Tuesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers seemed poised to tie the series as they built a commanding 20-point lead in the second half. With less than 50 seconds left, they held a seven-point advantage. However, a dramatic step-back 3-pointer from Haliburton etched itself into Indiana Pacers history, leading the team to a stunning 120-119 victory and a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The final moments of the game were filled with improbable events that set the stage for Haliburton’s legendary shot, which silenced the energetic crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Donovan Mitchell made two crucial free throws with 57.1 seconds remaining, putting the Cavaliers ahead 119-112. This would mark the last time Cleveland would score in the game.
First, Aaron Nesmith flew in from the top of the key to execute a tip dunk following a missed free throw from Pascal Siakam. Siakam then made a layup with just 27.1 seconds left on the clock, narrowing the gap to three points. Next, Andrew Nembhard made a pivotal steal when Cleveland’s Max Strus attempted a lob pass. Haliburton was fouled with 12.1 seconds remaining, making the first of his two free throws and grabbing the rebound on the missed second attempt.
Haliburton dribbled beyond the arc and launched his shot with just a second left on the clock. “I just saw me and Ty Jerome at the top of the key,” he explained. “I had space, and I just tried to make a play. I felt comfortable there. And, you know, just knocked it down.” Following the shot, Haliburton celebrated with a gesture inspired by former NBA guard Sam Cassell and the movie “Major League II,” a move that the NBA has previously deemed inappropriate. “I’ve been waiting for that, man; it was just right in the moment,” Haliburton said. “I’ll gladly take that fine.”
As the final buzzer sounded, Haliburton was surrounded by jubilant Pacers players while the home crowd reacted with boos. Indiana aimed to split the first two games in Cleveland but instead walked away with a commanding 2-0 lead over the top-seeded Cavaliers.
This kind of performance is exactly what Haliburton’s teammates have come to expect. “He’s been making big plays,” said guard Bennedict Mathurin. “People are still surprised, shockingly. He’s been making big plays at big, big times.” Myles Turner added, “Quite frankly, that boy is cold, man.”
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers faced significant challenges with the absence of three key players. Darius Garland missed his fourth straight postseason game due to a toe injury, while NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter were injured during Game 1 on back-to-back possessions. Despite these obstacles, Cleveland came out strong, leading 32-15 after the first quarter and holding an 11-point advantage at halftime.
This victory marked the fourth 20-point comeback win of the postseason, the most in a single postseason during the play-by-play era. “I still can’t even really process it,” Nembhard admitted. “We talk about playing it out to the end and never giving up. I guess that’s what we did.”
Nembhard contributed significantly to the game despite his eight turnovers, finishing with 13 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. Nesmith and Turner each scored 23 points, while Mathurin added 19 points off the bench. Siakam chipped in with 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. The Pacers had yet another game with at least six players scoring in double figures. “That’s a total team win for us,” Haliburton emphasized. “That’s who we are. We’re not a one-man show. We have so many guys who can chip in and get double figures. We had six guys in double figures tonight, and that’s been the theme for our success.”
During the game, the crowd chanted “Overrated,” referencing Haliburton being voted the league’s most overrated player in a recent poll. Mitchell attempted to quiet the home fans in the first half. “That one was unexpected,” Haliburton remarked. “I didn’t know we had beef. Good for them. That came out of nowhere. Now that the label is there, it’ll probably follow me until the next poll comes out. For me, I just control what I can. ‘Overrate that.’”
