2025 NBA PLAYOFFS East Semifinals: #1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #4 Indiana Pacers (IND leads 2-0)

[AlexanderRight]

They choked. No amount of training can overcome nerves. You're either clutch or you aren't.

You don't need to be clutch to execute basic fundamentals.

-Don't turn over the ball on back to back plays
-Don't stop playing defense in the 4th just because you're up.
-Box out the shooter on a free throw

They teach you this **** in little league.

Freethrow shooting should be basic but even great shooters can miss in clutch moments….that’s what makes sports fun. If there was no human element then we might as well just simulate the games via computer

None of what I described involved Cavaliers needing to make shots. They gave up offensive rebounds on back to back free throws. Turned the ball over on their last two possessions. Gave up 14 points in the last two minutes. 8 points in 50 seconds. None of that has anything to do with Cavs missing shots.

Was just a complete lack of basketball fundamentals.

[xBulletproof]

I don't think you've watched as much Haliburton gameplay as I have, and I've hardly gotten to watch much at all. You're just thoroughly wrong. He's not a Top 10 guy, but he's got a lot more in his bag than what you're saying. Yes, Spida had a better game. But give Hali his props for making an inverse four point play to win a game at a hostile crowd. It was an amazing finish, even if you underestimate him.

It's fine, dude, we all have varying opinions on players' worth. Just give Hali some props and maybe watch some more of his games?

Hali's game is fine. He's a smart guard that has a style for efficiency and it looks fun but he ain't that guy because he cannot impose his will on the game unless it is already going his way.

Christ you're an idiot. You just said the game WASN'T going his way, in the "the entire game matters" speech. Then now you're saying he can't impose on it unless it's going his way.

It wasn't going "his way" until the end, was it? So apparently he imposed his will when it wasn't going his way. WTF are you even talking about. You make no sense.

[Hoop Hunter]

Always knew that Cleveland was fake, but yo, I thought they would at least win one at home.

Don't do this man.

They are missing 3 of their best players. We'd struggle missing 3 of our top guys too.

Hear, hear. Raise your team up, do not tear another team down. No one wins from that.

Yes, just makes our fan base look bad. We don't do that often though.

And Cleveland has been a great team this season, they are not fake.

[Iwasawitness]

Tyrese did nothing all game while Donovan Mitchell killed himself to his team in position to win, taking on 2 and 3 defenders at a time.

Tyrese had Nembhard out here turning the ball over left and right in the half court.

And Tyrese does the only thing he can do in the half court, which is a step back 3, like I said and the comment is in poor taste.

I could understand if Tyrese took over the 4th and he looked like Kobe vs. the Raptors.

But Tyrese getting to his only move, which I said is his only move...is my comment aging poorly.

I forget most casuals only care about what happens in the last 2 minutes...

Pacers play team ball so Tyrese doesn’t have the luxury of being selfish.

The Cavs play team ball too. It’s just their 2-4 scorers weren’t available

We were up by 20 at one point. We had a seven point lead with 45 seconds left. While I do agree we likely lose the series due to injuries, this game in particular we can’t really play that card. We had the chance to win it and we choked it away. We can’t deny it unfortunately.

[Nuntius]

Hali's game is fine. He's a smart guard that has a style for efficiency and it looks fun but he ain't that guy because he cannot impose his will on the game unless it is already going his way.

Serious question. Was the game going Hali's way when his team was down 7 with less than a minute to go?

[IMF]

Nice shot by Haliburton.

I am just happy this game is over, so we can get to the real game.

[durden_tyler]

Initially confident even after falling 0-1 for the Cavs. But the injuries, this G2 choke, have to rethink everything about this series.

Props to Pacers, Haliburton for not giving up and delivering yet another special comeback win.


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[The Real Dalic]

Yea, we saw Granger go down with what was essentially a career ending injury, PG went down for a whole season and had his entirely personality change, and then Dipo. We’ve been there too. Not to mention Malice at the Palace or all of the other injuries we’ve seen. You’re not alone.

Even so, I don’t want the teams we are playing to be injured. I wish they were healthy. I don’t view it as some kind of blessing that they are hurt. If we are going to win, I’d want to beat the best, not have an easier route.

Danny Granger? How far back are we going for sympathy? And Ron Artest getting himself suspended for fighting fans? Why should I feel bad for Indiana on that one?

Indiana had all the injury luck in the world last year, and it miraculously has continued this year.

Mind showing me where I asked for sympathy?

The other guy was whining so I was reminding him we’ve all been there.

Then I proceeded to talk about how I hate this for Cleveland and wished they were healthy.

You’re mad over nothing.

Whining? Thanks for painting me in the most negative light for literally no reason.

[dautjazz]

Damn if the Nuggets get past the Thunder, their chances are looking very good, especially if the Knicks manage to knock out the Celtics too.

[WuTang_CMB]

Lebronto
Haliland

[durden_tyler]

Just for the storyline alone, i think everyone (non-Cavs fans obviously) is now cheering for the Pacers. They beat Cleveland here damn sure the neutrals want to see them beat the Celtics.

Full disclosure: i have a series bet on the Cavs but really considering in flipping now and bet on the Pacers just to cut losses.


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[xxSnEaKyPxx]

Danny Granger? How far back are we going for sympathy? And Ron Artest getting himself suspended for fighting fans? Why should I feel bad for Indiana on that one?

Indiana had all the injury luck in the world last year, and it miraculously has continued this year.

Mind showing me where I asked for sympathy?

The other guy was whining so I was reminding him we’ve all been there.

Then I proceeded to talk about how I hate this for Cleveland and wished they were healthy.

You’re mad over nothing.

Whining? Thanks for painting me in the most negative light for literally no reason.

Don't really think saying "whining" is painting you in the most negative light. But my apologies.

[durden_tyler]

I still can't believe the Cavs lost that game.

Meh after the Holmgreem missed FT that led to a Gordon 3, and the Knicks coming back from down 20 to force OT and steal the W, both on the road, i think we’re immune to these wild endings already


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[Riverwalk2021]

I still can't believe the Cavs lost that game.

Meh after the Holmgreem missed FT that led to a Gordon 3, and the Knicks coming back from down 20 to force OT and steal the W, both on the road, i think we’re immune to these wild endings already


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I have to admit these playoffs are becoming must see tv as it feels like any of the 8 teams could make the Finals right now, well except the Cavs

[Boneman2]

You don't need to be clutch to execute basic fundamentals.

-Don't turn over the ball on back to back plays
-Don't stop playing defense in the 4th just because you're up.
-Box out the shooter on a free throw

They teach you this **** in little league.

Freethrow shooting should be basic but even great shooters can miss in clutch moments….that’s what makes sports fun. If there was no human element then we might as well just simulate the games via computer

None of what I described involved Cavaliers needing to make shots. They gave up offensive rebounds on back to back free throws. Turned the ball over on their last two possessions. Gave up 14 points in the last two minutes. 8 points in 50 seconds. None of that has anything to do with Cavs missing shots.

Was just a complete lack of basketball fundamentals.

Solid breakdown. Agree on all points.

[durden_tyler]

Feel for Mitchell. Killed himself just to lose like that

He missed some key late free throws that allowed this miracle. He was the reason why they were winning and the reason why they lost.


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He was completely gassed. Others needed to step up

Maybe. Elite superstars deliver the W though. Not fully on him obviously, but this was supposed to be his moment he/they failed. Not only for the game, but could be for the series.

Tough, but not every star/superstar are made winners i guess.


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[DaPessimist]

Playoffs have been incredible so far.

[Iwasawitness]

I have to say… I’m impressed by how much class the Pacers fan base is displaying right now. You guys haven’t really been rubbing it in a much as you could be. I admire the fact that you are choosing to take this W while acknowledging the events that have led to it (even though we ultimately blew it).

Kudos to you guys. If you do manage to beat us, I hope you guys go on to the finals.

[cgf]

Nice shot by Haliburton.

I am just happy this game is over, so we can get to the real game.

Now that “the real game” has started…can we go back to watching the eastern conference teams actually play some basketball?

[MrBigShot]

The haliburton revenge tour is real