Cavaliers Collapse, Lose 2-0 Series Lead to Pacers Despite Mitchell's 48 Points

Despite a depleted roster missing key players Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter, Donovan Mitchell delivered a historic 48-point performance for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs started strong and built a significant lead, but Indiana rallied late, with Tyrese Haliburton grabbing his own missed free throw and sinking a step-back three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to secure a stunning 120-119 Pacers victory. Mitchell's efforts, which also included nine assists and four steals, placed him alongside legends Jerry West and Russell Westbrook as the only players to achieve 15+ field goals, 15+ free throws, and nine assists in a playoff game. The loss leaves the Cavaliers down 0-2 in the series and facing a daunting task as the series shifts to Indiana, with Mitchell and his teammates visibly frustrated by the collapse. The Pacers' physicality and the energy of the Cleveland crowd were not enough to compensate for costly turnovers and late-game lapses. With Cleveland’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the team is desperate for the return of its injured stars to avoid a potential early elimination.