The Indiana Pacers staged a remarkable comeback to eliminate the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied late to push the defending champion Denver Nuggets to the edge of elimination in a thrilling night of NBA playoffs action.
Pacers Overcome Cavaliers in Stunning Comeback
Led by Tyrese Haliburton’s 31 points, the Pacers erased a 19-point deficit to defeat the Cavaliers 114-105, clinching the series 4-1. Haliburton caught fire in the second quarter, sinking five three-pointers to ignite Indiana’s surge. Pascal Siakam added 21 points, while Aaron Nesmith posted a double-double (13 points, 13 rebounds). Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 35-point effort for Cleveland, the Cavs’ poor three-point shooting (9-of-35) sealed their fate.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience, stating, “The league is wide open this year. We’ve got to keep believing.” Indiana now advances to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they’ll face either the Boston Celtics or New York Knicks.
Thunder Stun Nuggets in Fourth-Quarter Rally
The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a dominant 44-point, 15-rebound performance from Nikola Jokic to defeat the Nuggets 112-105, taking a 3-2 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, supported by a balanced attack with six players scoring in double figures. A decisive 34-19 fourth-quarter run sealed the win for OKC.
With Denver now facing elimination, interim coach David Adelman admitted, “This is a disappointing loss, but we have to bounce back quickly.” The Nuggets must win Game 6 at home to keep their title defense alive.
What’s Next?
- Pacers await the winner of Celtics vs. Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
- Nuggets fight for survival in Game 6 against the Thunder on Thursday.
The NBA playoffs continue to deliver high-stakes drama as contenders rise and fall in the chase for the championship.
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