The 2025 NBA playoffs witnessed a thrilling matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to simply as "pacers cavs." This second-round series turned heads as the Pacers delivered a dominant performance, knocking out the top-seeded Cavs and securing their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

How the Pacers Clinched the Series

From the opening tip-off, the Pacers established themselves as the team to beat. Despite the Cavaliers' impressive 64-win regular season, Indiana displayed resilience and craft, turning the "pacers cavs" rivalry into a showcase of tactical brilliance.

According to CBSSports.com, the Pacers eliminated the Cavaliers in five games. They captured three critical wins on Cleveland's home court—a feat rarely seen against a No. 1 seed.

Series Results and Key Moments

• Game 1: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112
• Game 2: Pacers 120, Cavaliers 119
• Game 3: Cavaliers 126, Pacers 104
• Game 4: Pacers 129, Cavaliers 109
• Game 5: Pacers 114, Cavaliers 105

This convincing 4-1 series win sent shockwaves through the Eastern Conference. Not only did the Pacers avenge last year's sweep in the East Finals, but they also asserted themselves as legitimate contenders again.

What Clicked for the Pacers

The "pacers cavs" matchup highlighted Indiana's strategic edge and depth. Star players stepped up at crucial moments, taking advantage of defensive lapses and pacing the game's tempo. Cleveland, on the other hand, struggled to counter Indiana's swift offense and coordinated defense.

For a full overview of postseason action, visit ESPN's dedicated NBA Playoffs 2025 coverage. This resource offers detailed roundups and behind-the-scenes analysis from across the league.

Impact of the Series & What’s Next

For the Cavaliers, this exit is especially disappointing after such a dominant regular season. They’ll need to regroup and address key roster concerns. Meanwhile, the Pacers are once again proving their playoff resilience, setting the stage for another deep postseason run.

The 2025 playoffs continue to be full of surprises as upsets shake up projections. Get the latest scores, upcoming schedules, and stats at CBSSports.com’s NBA playoffs bracket.

Conclusion: Why This Series Matters

The "pacers cavs" duel is a testament to the unpredictability of the NBA playoffs. Indiana’s upset over Cleveland not only changed the narrative for both teams but also reshaped the path to the Eastern Conference championship. Fans can keep up with future matchups and postseason developments by following ESPN’s comprehensive playoff analysis.

Stay tuned as the NBA postseason drama continues to unfold. Will the Pacers complete their Cinderella run, or will new contenders rise in the East?