The Indiana Pacers made an early statement in the Eastern Conference semifinals, defeating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, 121-112, in Game 1 to seize homecourt advantage on Monday (PHL).
Indiana led nearly wire to wire, building a double-digit cushion and never letting the Cavs fully recover. The Pacers were in control for most of the contest, leading by as many as 12 points.
Andrew Nembhard paced the Pacers with 23 points, while Tyrese Haliburton put together a strong all-around effort with 22 points and 13 assists.
Andrew Nembhard was lights out in Game 1 🎯
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 5, 2025
23 PTS
7-10 FG
5-6 3PT
6 AST pic.twitter.com/fbn46Jbuno
Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam added 17 points each in the balanced attack.
Donovan Mitchell did all he could to keep Cleveland in the game, finishing with 33 points. Ty Jerome and Evan Mobley chipped in 21 and 20, respectively, but the Cavs couldn’t get enough stops to slow down Indiana’s offense.
With the win, the Pacers take a 1-0 lead in the series and put early pressure on the Cavaliers heading into Game 2.
—
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
