The epic battles between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers have created some of the most memorable moments in recent NBA playoff history. This article traces the key events and turning points from the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, offering a detailed pacers vs cleveland cavaliers timeline for fans keen to relive the action.

Setting the Stage: Season Stories

The 2025 matchup began with contrasting regular season narratives. The Cavaliers finished as the East's No. 1 seed, riding high on a dominant 64-18 record. The Pacers, meanwhile, secured the fourth seed after a rocky 5-10 start but surged late, nearly matching Cleveland's pace from January onward. By playoff time, both teams were poised for a fierce showdown (read more at NBA.com).

Game-By-Game Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Timeline

• Game 1 (May 4): Indiana set the tone with a 121-112 victory in Cleveland, showcasing their deep bench and ball movement.
• Game 2 (May 6): The Pacers edged a dramatic finish, 120-119, taking a 2-0 series lead on the road.
• Game 3 (May 9): The Cavaliers bounced back at home, powered by Donovan Mitchell's heroic effort, securing a 126-104 win as they sought to halt Indiana's momentum.
• Game 4 (May 11): Indiana dominated with a staggering 80-point first half, culminating in a 129-109 win to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead (full recap and injury updates).
• Game 5 (May 13): Back in Cleveland, the Pacers closed the series, 114-105. Tyrese Haliburton erupted for 31 points, while Indiana's depth again proved vital (series analysis and takeaways).

Key Players and Pivotal Moments

The Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers timeline wouldn't be complete without highlighting individual performances. Tyrese Haliburton starred for Indiana, becoming the offensive catalyst and leader in crucial moments. Thomas Bryant's energetic third-quarter display in Game 5 provided much-needed support off the bench, shifting momentum firmly in Indiana's favor (NBA.com: Bryant’s impact in Game 5).

On Cleveland’s side, Donovan Mitchell battled valiantly despite a sprained ankle, averaging almost 29 points throughout the playoffs. He started Game 5, showing grit and determination (ESPN's report on Mitchell’s status), but ultimately, the Cavs could not overcome Indiana’s relentless pace and depth.

Turning Points in the Series

• Indiana’s Resilience: After a slow season start, the Pacers’ ability to recover and peak at the right moment defined their run. Their collective effort—rather than one superstar—was key to outlasting the Cavaliers.
• Cavaliers’ Home Woes: Cleveland lost three of four games at home in the series, a stunning reversal for the conference's top seed.
• Mitchell’s Injury Drama: Mitchell’s ankle issues became a focal point as Game 5 approached. He was listed as questionable but started after a successful pregame shootaround (injury details and timeline).

Series Legacy and What’s Next

The Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers timeline from the 2025 playoffs is a testament to the unpredictability and drama of postseason basketball. Indiana advances to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, while Cleveland faces questions about how to build from a stellar regular season but a disappointing finish.

For deeper analysis, don’t miss NBA.com's five takeaways from Game 5. For more on player injuries and game previews, see the Indianapolis Star’s detailed series coverage.

Conclusion

The Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers timeline is filled with drama, resilience, and unforgettable performances. From Haliburton’s scoring to Mitchell’s valiant efforts against adversity, this series encapsulated competitive playoff basketball. Stay tuned as Indiana’s journey continues deeper into the postseason, with more memorable moments surely to come.