The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Match Player Stats faced off in an electrifying Eastern Conference Semifinals series during the 2025 NBA season, delivering high-octane basketball that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With the Cavaliers holding the top seed in the East and the Pacers riding a Cinderella story as the fourth seed, their matchups were a showcase of talent, strategy, and heart. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their key games, highlight standout performances, and provide an easy-to-read analysis that anyone can enjoy—whether you’re a lifelong hoops fan or just getting into the game. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers series, focusing on their thrilling Game 1 and Game 2 encounters on May 4 and May 6, 2025.
Game 1: Pacers Steal the Show (May 4, 2025)
The series tipped off at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on May 4, 2025, with the Cavaliers favored to dominate at home. However, the Pacers had other plans, pulling off a stunning 121-112 victory. Let’s take a closer look at the player stats that defined this upset and set the tone for the series.
Cleveland Cavaliers Key Performers
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Donovan Mitchell (Guard): Mitchell, the Cavs’ go-to scorer, led the team with 32 points, shooting 12-of-22 from the field and 4-of-9 from three-point range. He added 7 assists and 5 rebounds, showing his all-around impact. Despite his efforts, the Pacers’ defense forced him into 3 turnovers, which proved costly in the closing minutes.
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Darius Garland (Guard): Garland, listed as questionable before the game due to a minor injury, still managed 18 points and 8 assists. His shooting was less efficient (6-of-15), but his playmaking kept Cleveland in the game. Garland’s ability to penetrate and dish was critical, though the Pacers’ guards matched his intensity.
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Evan Mobley (Forward/Center): Mobley was a defensive anchor, recording 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His presence in the paint disrupted Indiana’s drives, but he struggled against Pascal Siakam’s versatility, picking up 4 fouls.
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Jarrett Allen (Center): Allen contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, plus 2 blocks. His battle with Myles Turner in the paint was a highlight, but Allen’s 2-of-6 free-throw shooting hurt the Cavs in a tight game.
The Cavaliers shot 46% from the field and 35% from three, but their 14 turnovers and 18 fouls allowed Indiana to capitalize on second-chance points and free throws. Cleveland’s depth was evident, with bench players like Caris LeVert adding 10 points, but they couldn’t match Indiana’s energy in crunch time.
Indiana Pacers Key Performers
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Tyrese Haliburton (Guard): Haliburton was the star of the night, dropping 28 points and 10 assists for a double-double. His 5-of-10 three-point shooting stretched Cleveland’s defense, and his quick decision-making led to 6 fast-break points. Haliburton’s creativity was a game-changer, especially in transition.
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Pascal Siakam (Forward): Siakam was a matchup nightmare, scoring 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds. His ability to score inside and out kept Mobley and Allen guessing, and his 2 steals showed his defensive hustle.
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Myles Turner (Center): Turner held his own against Cleveland’s bigs, posting 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc was unexpected and opened up the floor for Indiana’s guards.
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Bennedict Mathurin (Guard/Forward): Coming off the bench, Mathurin added 15 points, including 3 three-pointers. His spark off the bench was crucial in maintaining Indiana’s lead during Cleveland’s runs.
The Pacers shot an impressive 50% from the field and 42% from three, with only 10 turnovers. Their fast-paced style and efficient shooting overwhelmed Cleveland’s defense, especially in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Cavs 34-26.
Key Takeaways from Game 1
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Pace and Transition: Indiana’s up-tempo game plan exposed Cleveland’s slower rotations. The Pacers scored 20 fast-break points compared to Cleveland’s 12.
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Three-Point Shooting: Indiana’s 14-of-33 performance from deep outshone Cleveland’s 10-of-29, highlighting the Pacers’ ability to stretch the floor.
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Injury Impact: With Darius Garland not at 100% and Indiana missing Isaiah Jackson due to a torn Achilles, both teams had to adjust. The Pacers’ depth stepped up, while Cleveland relied heavily on Mitchell.
Game 2: Cavaliers Bounce Back (May 6, 2025)
After the Game 1 loss, the Cavaliers regrouped for Game 2 on May 6, 2025, determined to even the series at home. The box scores from NBA.com reveal a hard-fought battle, with Cleveland edging out a 118-115 victory. Here’s how the players performed in this nail-biter.
Cleveland Cavaliers Key Performers
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Donovan Mitchell (Guard): Mitchell was unstoppable, pouring in 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three. He added 6 assists and 4 rebounds, with only 2 turnovers—a marked improvement from Game 1. His clutch three-pointer with 1:30 left sealed the win.
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Darius Garland (Guard): Fully healthy, Garland bounced back with 22 points and 9 assists, shooting 9-of-17. His ability to attack the paint and find open teammates kept Indiana’s defense honest.
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Evan Mobley (Forward/Center): Mobley had a monster game, recording 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His defense on Siakam was tighter, limiting the Pacers’ star to tougher shots.
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Jarrett Allen (Center): Allen dominated the glass with 14 points and 13 rebounds, plus 3 blocks. His 6-of-8 free-throw shooting was a significant improvement, helping Cleveland close out the game.
The Cavaliers improved their ball security, committing only 9 turnovers, and shot 48% from the field. Their bench, led by LeVert’s 12 points, provided a spark, and Cleveland’s 22-of-26 free-throw shooting was a difference-maker.
Indiana Pacers Key Performers
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Tyrese Haliburton (Guard): Haliburton continued to shine, scoring 26 points and dishing out 11 assists. His 4-of-9 three-point shooting kept the Pacers in the game, but Cleveland’s tighter defense forced 3 turnovers.
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Pascal Siakam (Forward): Siakam scored 22 points on 9-of-19 shooting and grabbed 7 rebounds. While still effective, Mobley’s defense made him work harder for his points.
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Myles Turner (Center): Turner struggled against Allen, finishing with 12 points and 7 rebounds. His 1-of-4 three-point shooting was less impactful than in Game 1.
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Obi Toppin (Forward): Off the bench, Toppin added 14 points and 5 rebounds, providing energy and hustle that kept Indiana competitive.
The Pacers shot 47% from the field and 38% from three but struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 15-of-21. Their 12 turnovers and 20 fouls allowed Cleveland to capitalize on free throws and second-chance opportunities.
Key Takeaways from Game 2
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Defensive Adjustments: Cleveland tightened their perimeter defense, limiting Indiana’s three-point efficiency and forcing more turnovers.
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Free-Throw Battle: The Cavaliers’ improved free-throw shooting (85%) compared to Indiana’s 71% was a deciding factor in the close game.
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Mobley’s Impact: Mobley’s defensive versatility and rebounding were pivotal in slowing down Siakam and Turner, giving Cleveland the edge in the paint.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Match Player Stats Head-to-Head Context
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry, with 215 regular-season matchups before 2025, Indiana leading 111-104. In the 2025 playoffs, the Pacers’ 2-3 record in their last five games against Cleveland showed their ability to compete, while the Cavaliers’ 1-4 record in recent matchups underscored Indiana’s recent edge. However, Cleveland’s home-court advantage and deeper roster made them favorites in the series.
Key Matchups to Watch
The series hinged on several critical player matchups that shaped the stat lines:
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Donovan Mitchell vs. Tyrese Haliburton: Mitchell’s scoring prowess met Haliburton’s playmaking wizardry. Both guards delivered, with Mitchell averaging 33.5 points and Haliburton 27 points and 10.5 assists over the two games.
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Evan Mobley vs. Pascal Siakam: Mobley’s defense was tested by Siakam’s versatility. While Siakam averaged 23.5 points, Mobley’s 3.5 blocks per game limited Indiana’s interior scoring.
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Jarrett Allen vs. Myles Turner: This battle of big men was a clash of styles—Allen’s rim protection versus Turner’s floor-spacing. Allen’s rebounding (12 per game) outshone Turner’s 8.
Statistical Breakdown
Here’s a simplified table summarizing the key stats for both teams in Games 1 and 2:
|
Team |
Game 1 Score |
Game 2 Score |
FG% (G1/G2) |
3P% (G1/G2) |
Rebounds (G1/G2) |
Turnovers (G1/G2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cleveland Cavaliers |
112 | 118 | 46%/48% | 35%/40% | 42/45 | 14/9 |
|
Indiana Pacers |
121 | 115 | 50%/47% | 42%/38% | 38/40 | 10/12 |
This table shows Cleveland’s improvement in Game 2, particularly in reducing turnovers and boosting three-point shooting, while Indiana’s fast-paced offense remained a challenge.
Why This Series Matters
For the Cavaliers, this series was a chance to prove their top seed was no fluke. With a young core led by Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen, they aimed to reach the Eastern Conference Finals and cement their status as contenders. For the Pacers, their underdog run—fresh off upsetting the Milwaukee Bucks—made them a fan favorite. Haliburton’s leadership and Siakam’s versatility gave them hope of reaching the Conference Finals for the first time in years.
How Injuries Shaped the Games
Injuries played a role in both games. Darius Garland’s questionable status in Game 1 limited his explosiveness, though he bounced back in Game 2. The Pacers felt the absence of Isaiah Jackson, whose defensive presence could have bolstered their frontcourt against Cleveland’s bigs. These factors made depth and adaptability critical for both teams.
What’s Next for the Series?
With the series tied 1-1 after the first two games, the action shifted to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. The Pacers’ home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse promised to bring energy, while Cleveland aimed to regain momentum. The key for the Cavaliers would be maintaining their defensive intensity and limiting turnovers, while the Pacers needed to sustain their three-point shooting and fast-break attack.
How to Follow the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Match Player Stats
For fans wanting to dive deeper, sites like NBA.com and Sofascore offer detailed box scores, shot charts, and video highlights. These platforms provide real-time updates on player stats, including points, rebounds, assists, and more, making it easy to track your favorite players’ performances.
Final Thoughts
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Match Player Stats 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals series was a thrilling showcase of NBA talent. From Donovan Mitchell’s scoring outbursts to Tyrese Haliburton’s dazzling playmaking, the player stats told a story of two teams leaving it all on the court. Whether you’re cheering for Cleveland’s dominant defense or Indiana’s scrappy underdog spirit, this series delivered unforgettable moments. Keep an eye on these teams as they battle for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, and check out NBA.com or Sofascore for the latest stats and highlights as the series unfolds.