Tyrese Haliburton stunned the Cleveland crowd with a cold-blooded step-back three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds on the clock, lifting the Indiana Pacers to a thrilling 120-119 win over the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semi-final showdown.
The Pacers, who were down by 20 points at one stage, completed a sensational comeback to snatch a 2-0 series lead as the action heads to Indianapolis. Haliburton’s buzzer-beater capped a furious 10-2 run by Indiana in the closing moments, silencing a packed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and breaking Cleveland hearts.
Haliburton Delivers Ice-Cold Clutch Shot
Haliburton, who finished with 23 points, was the man of the moment. The 24-year-old guard pulled up from deep, stepped back confidently, and let the shot fly just before the buzzer. As it dropped through the net, he barely celebrated — just a calm nod amid chaos, exuding superstar composure.
“That’s the kind of shot you dream about as a kid,” Haliburton said postgame. “Clock winding down, crowd roaring, everything on the line — you just let your instincts take over.”
Head coach Rick Carlisle praised his floor general: “Cleveland hit us with a punch early, but Tyrese and the guys didn’t flinch. This team believes in each other, and we’ve shown we can fight back from anything.”
TYRESE HALIBURTON WINS GAME 2 FOR THE PACERS
WHAT. A. WILD. PLAY. pic.twitter.com/rFsjZmtrBz
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
Mitchell’s Heroics Fall Short
On the opposite end, it was heartbreak for Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers. The All-Star guard poured in 48 points in a sensational solo display, doing everything he could to carry an injury-depleted Cleveland squad. With Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter all sidelined, Mitchell had the offensive burden squarely on his shoulders — and nearly delivered.
Max Strus and Jarrett Allen were the only others to break 20 points, scoring 23 and 22 respectively, but Cleveland’s late-game execution proved their undoing. Up 117-110 with just over a minute remaining after Strus nailed his fifth three of the game, the Cavs crumbled under Indiana’s pressure.
“We ran out of gas,” admitted head coach Kenny Atkinson. “We controlled most of the game but made poor decisions late. That’s on all of us.”
Donovan Mitchell was INCREDIBLE in Game 2
️ 48 points
️ 9 assists
️ 4 stealsLeft it all on the floor. pic.twitter.com/gehZOBfKpP
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
Pacers’ Balanced Attack
While Haliburton hit the dagger, Indiana’s win was a team effort. Six players scored in double figures. Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner matched Haliburton with 23 points each, providing consistency throughout. The Pacers outworked the Cavaliers down the stretch, crashing the boards and making crucial stops.
Turner, who also grabbed 11 rebounds, called it a “gritty win,” emphasizing the team’s desire to never give up. Nesmith hit several timely buckets, helping to swing the momentum in the second half.
Warriors Grind Out Game 1 Win Without Curry
Out West, the Golden State Warriors made a statement of their own by downing the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 of their semi-final series. But it wasn’t their typical high-flying offensive fireworks that got the job done — it was gritty defense and timely shot-making.
The Timberwolves, fresh off eliminating LeBron James and the Lakers in the first round, came in confident but shot just 5-for-29 from beyond the arc. Even Anthony Edwards, their go-to scorer, finished with 23 points but hit just one of his seven three-point attempts.
Buddy Hield Leads the Way
Buddy Hield, playing in just his 11th career playoff game, stepped up big for the Warriors. The sharpshooter knocked down nine of 11 three-pointers en route to a game-high 33 points, showing no fear in the postseason spotlight. “He’s been waiting for this moment,” said Draymond Green. “And man, did he show up.”
Jimmy Butler added 20 points and continued to be a leader on both ends of the court, while Green chipped in with a critical 18 points, helping to control the pace and tone of the game.
Buddy, Jimmy, and Draymond step up to secure the Game 1 road win @buddyhield: 24 PTS, 5 3PM, 8 REB@JimmyButler: 20 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL@Money23Green: 18 PTS, 4 3PM, 8 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL
GSW/MIN Game 2: Thursday at 8:30pm/et on TNT! pic.twitter.com/lwNeGPQqYG
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
Curry’s Injury Overshadows Win
Despite the win, concern surrounds Stephen Curry’s health after the two-time MVP exited in the second quarter with a left hamstring injury. He did not return, and early indications suggest he might miss Game 2. An MRI was scheduled, and head coach Steve Kerr hinted at caution.
“We’re definitely game-planning as if Steph won’t be available for Game 2,” Kerr said. “Hamstrings are tricky, and we won’t risk making it worse.”
Jimmy Butler was more emotional about the situation. “We want Steph back, period. The guy changes everything for us. But we’ve got to be ready either way.”
Wolves Face Reality Check
For the Timberwolves, Game 1 was a wake-up call. Their first-round success was built on pace and space, but against a playoff-hardened team like Golden State, their flaws were exposed. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled to get going offensively, and the team’s lack of perimeter shooting proved fatal.
“We need to regroup quickly,” said Wolves coach Chris Finch. “It’s a seven-game series for a reason.”
Two Series, Two Stories of Resilience
Both Indiana and Golden State proved in their respective games that resilience, trust, and execution under pressure matter most in the playoffs. Haliburton’s buzzer-beater and Hield’s shooting clinic set the tone for what promises to be a dramatic and unpredictable second round.
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