Pacers Beat Cavaliers 121-112 in Game 1

The Indiana Pacers upset the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, seizing a 121-112 victory fueled by exceptional three-point shooting, hitting nearly 53% from deep compared to Cleveland's 23.7%. The Cavs struggled offensively without All-Star point guard Darius Garland, forcing Donovan Mitchell to shoulder the scoring load, and while Mitchell finished with 33 points, his inefficient 1-for-11 shooting from beyond the arc and lack of offensive support proved costly. Indiana's offensive depth and balanced attack, featuring multiple players contributing from long range, overwhelmed Cleveland's defense, which had previously dominated in the first round. Despite a spirited third-quarter comeback led by Mitchell and a strong effort from Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers could not sustain their momentum in the final quarter. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the Pacers' 'otherworldly' shot-making and admitted Cleveland's offense let them down. The Cavs now face an uphill battle as the Pacers have stolen homecourt advantage and Cleveland awaits Garland's return to help even the series.