Cavaliers Trail 0-2 in Eastern Conference Semifinals Against Pacers

The Cleveland Cavaliers fell behind 0-2 in their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, losing Game 2 in a close 120-119 contest despite Donovan Mitchell's 48-point performance. The team was severely hampered by injuries, missing key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter, forcing others like Jarrett Allen to carry a heavy load; Allen played 38 minutes with little rest and posted 22 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavaliers' season-long lack of a reliable backup center became glaringly apparent, as the team had to rely on smaller lineups and out-of-position players during Allen's rest. In spite of leading for much of the game and Mitchell's late efforts, Cleveland failed to hold off Indiana, with Tyrese Haliburton hitting a decisive three-pointer in the final seconds. The Cavaliers now face a daunting road challenge, needing to win two games in Indiana to stay alive. Fatigue, injuries, and roster construction issues are major factors in their current predicament.