The Indiana Pacers have punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, eliminating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers with a 114-105 victory in Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Game 5 Recap: Pacers Complete the Upset

Facing a 19-point deficit in the first half, the Pacers showcased their trademark resilience and determination. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 31 points, including five three-pointers in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 56-52 by halftime. Indiana's momentum continued into the third quarter, where a 17-2 run propelled them to an 85-76 lead. The Pacers maintained their advantage in the fourth, fending off an exhausted Cleveland's attempts at a comeback.

Pascal Siakam contributed 25 points, while Myles Turner added 18 points and nine rebounds. Despite Donovan Mitchell's 35-point effort for the Cavaliers, Cleveland struggled with efficiency (as they did all series), shooting just 9-for-35 from beyond the arc. The Pacers' victory marks their first back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances since 2013 and 2014.

Around the League

  • Eastern Conference: The New York Knicks lead the Boston Celtics 3-1, with Game 5 scheduled for tonight at 7:00 PM ET. The Celtics face an uphill battle with star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
  • Western Conference: The Minnesota Timberwolves hold a 3-1 series lead over the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry remains out with a hamstring injury, and the Warriors aim to stave off elimination in Game 5 tonight at 9:30 PM ET.

The Pacers now await the outcome of the Knicks-Celtics series to determine their opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals. The series is slated to begin on either Monday or Wednesday, depending on how long the Celtics can tread water.