(Photo: USA Today, NBA)

In a result only few predicted the Cleveland Cavaliers who had the second best record in the NBA and were the first seed in the Eastern Conference have just been eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in 5 games in the second round. 

The Cavs were eliminated earlier today falling 114-105. The Pacers are going to there 2nd straight Eastern Conference Finals where they will most likely be facing the New York Knicks barring a miracle comeback by the Boston Celtics. What is shocking about this elimination is that the Cavs had previously only lost 5 games at home all year and the surprising thing is all 5 losses came to the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers who were lead by Tyrese Haliburton’s 31 points he was fueled by the Cavs fans “Overrated” chants and Pascal Siakam’s 21 points. The pacers have so much depth and team chemistry this is the main reason they will have a chance to play to go to the NBA finals. 

Donavan Mitchell who was playing through a supposed ankle injury once again carried the load on the offensive end putting up 30 points. However he made a critical error missing 3 straight free throws with his team to that point being down 106-100 with less than 2 minutes remaining. The clip is down below. https://x.com/BricksCenter/status/1922466750743842841

A moment which will now be looked at as a wasted chance to save the Cavs season. The Cavs defence which was one of the main reasons they had the 2nd best recored in the NBA could not stop the Indiana attack. The Pacers ability to take advantage of miss matches and maintain pressure while on the fast break opportunities is what really gave the Cavs issues. 

This Playoff defeat marks a now failure of a season from the Cavs, while successful in many ways the way this run ended will not be forgotten by Cavs fans. This Cavs team had championship aspirations and they looked like a legit team in the regular season. Cleveland will be kicking them selfs at this lost opportunity all summer long. All the Cavs can do now is reflect on this season and plan for the future as the Cavs have several free agents to sign. Now as we look to the Eastern Conference Finals the Indiana Pacers will be watching the game between the Knicks and Celtics very closely. The Pacers will at least have a four day rest period and im sure they will make the most of it.