Tyrese Haliburton hits game-winner to stun Cavaliers in Game 2 [VIDEO]
Haliburton’s Clutch Three Lifts Pacers Over Cavs in Historic Comeback
On May 6, 2025, Tyrese Haliburton delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With just 1.1 seconds remaining, the Indiana Pacers guard sank a deep three-pointer to complete a stunning 120-119 comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Pacers now hold a commanding 2-0 series lead over the top-seeded Cavaliers.
Cleveland came into this series, after a dominating sweep over the Miami Heat in the first round. In addition, they dominated the regular season. For most of the season, the Cavs and Oklahoma City Thunder traded positions as the NBA’s best team. A late season slump saw Cleveland finish 64-18, which was enough to maintain the East’s best record.
Donovan Mitchell has had an incredible season and postseason to get the Cavs here. Tyrese Haliburton, meanwhile, has dominated. His dominance led the Pacers to a series win over the Milwaukee Bucks in five games. For the second straight year, they’ve eliminated the Bucks in the first round. Now, he’s gone into Cleveland and upset the East’s best team. First, with an upset, and now with a clutch game-winner.
A Massive Comeback
The Cavaliers entered the game already down 1-0 in this series. That comes in spite of a regular season record of 64-18. Early on, they looked every bit the Eastern Conference favorite, jumping out to a 20-point lead in the first half. But the Pacers, who finished 50-32 in the regular season, refused to fold.
With under a minute left and the Pacers trailing by 7, the odds were stacked. In fact, NBA history shows that out of 1,643 playoff games since 1997-98, only three teams have come back from such a deficit. Remarkably, the Pacers have now done it twice this postseason.
Already, the Pacers grabbed home-court advantage in their Game 1 victory. Indiana kept Game 1 competitive and pulled away late in the fourth quarter. Despite Cleveland’s massive win total, in comparison to Indiana’s, the Pacers have more playoff experience. Last year, Haliburton led them on a Cinderella run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Despite losing Game 1, Cleveland were favorites to win Game 2. However, the Pacers had other plans. In the final seconds, Indiana turned that loss into a win. So, mounting an improbable rally in Game 2 has Indiana up 2-0 going home.
The Final Sequence: Defense Meets Destiny
Trailing 119-112 with under 50 seconds to go, Indiana needed perfection. A quick bucket, followed by an inbounds steal from Andrew Nembhard off Max Strus with 27.5 seconds left, gave the Pacers life. Haliburton, who had missed a layup earlier, drove the lane and drew a foul with 12.1 seconds to go.
He hit the first free throw, missed the second, but grabbed his own rebound. After resetting at the top of the arc, he launched a high-arching three over defender Ty Jerome. The ball sailed through the net with 1.1 seconds left. Cleveland failed to convert on their final possession, and the Pacers sealed the win.
Now, the team with the East’s best record hits the road down 0-2. This comes after a historic, dominant, sweep over the Miami Heat.
Player of the Game: Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton ended the game with 19 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. Most crucially, he scored 11 of those points in the fourth quarter alone. Feeding off “overrated” chants from the home crowd, Haliburton turned boos into fuel and delivered a clutch performance that silenced the arena.
After the game, Haliburton said he was frustrated by the missed layup but knew he had to back out and find space. His celebration—a tribute to Sam Cassell and “Major League II”—was as iconic as the shot itself.
Supporting Cast and Key Plays
Andrew Nembhard’s inbounds steal was instrumental. While his box score contributions weren’t as flashy, that one defensive play shifted the game’s momentum. The Pacers’ defense tightened when it mattered most, and their execution in the final minute was flawless.
These defensive sequences have put the Pacers in a prime position. For the first time in over a decade, Indiana is closing in on their second straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance. How they play the game, well-rounded team ball, has put them in this position. That, plus smart execution.
Now, the Pacers go back home with all of the momentum and opportunities.
Historical and Series Implications
The victory gives Indiana a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. For a franchise looking to return to Eastern Conference prominence, this performance could mark a turning point.
It also mirrors their Game 5 win over the Bucks in the first round, where they erased a 7-point deficit in the final 40 seconds of overtime. These comeback victories are now a defining feature of their 2025 playoff run.
Additionally, this is looking like the theme of the 2025 playoffs. Right now, Haliburton and Aaron Gordon are becoming playoff legends for their comeback game-winners.
Regular Season and Playoff Comparison
This postseason, both Cleveland and Indiana have been high-scoring teams.
Cleveland Cavaliers (Regular Season Averages):
- Points: 121.9
- FG%: 49.1% | 3P%: 38.3%
- Assists: 28.1 | Rebounds: 45.4
Indiana Pacers (Regular Season Averages):
- Points: 117.4
- FG%: 48.8% | 3P%: 36.8%
- Assists: 29.2 | Rebounds: 41.8
Playoff Averages (as of Game 2):
- Cavs: 122.5 PPG, 49.2% FG, 38.5% 3P
- Pacers: 118.6 PPG, 50.6% FG, 41.3% 3P
Despite being underdogs, Indiana’s shooting efficiency and teamwork have given them the edge.
Fan Reaction and Cultural Buzz
Social media exploded in the aftermath. An X post from @NBA declared, “TYRESE HALIBURTON WINS GAME 2 FOR THE PACERS 🤯🙇,” accompanied by stunned fan reactions. IndyStarSports wrote, “WATCH: Pacers fans lose their minds as Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second 3 gives Pacers 2-0 lead.”
Fans and analysts alike praised Haliburton’s composure and leadership, especially given the recent player survey where he was voted “most overrated.”
What Comes Next?
Game 3 shifts to Indiana, where the Pacers will look to build on their momentum. Cleveland, despite its regular season dominance, now faces the daunting task of stealing a win on the road to stay in the series.
For Haliburton, the spotlight has never been brighter—and he’s owning every second of it.