Cavaliers Face 0-2 Series Deficit After Meltdown Against Pacers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a critical juncture in their playoff series after falling 0-2 to the Indiana Pacers, with both losses coming at home. The Cavaliers squandered significant leads in Game 2, including a 17-point first-quarter advantage and a 20-point overall margin, ultimately losing 120-119 after a game-winning three-pointer by Tyrese Haliburton. Despite Donovan Mitchell's heroic 48-point performance and support from Max Strus, Cleveland's depleted roster—missing key players Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De'Andre Hunter due to injuries—proved too much to overcome. Defensive rebounding lapses in crucial moments and missed opportunities contributed to their defeat, as did the Pacers' physical defense that further hampered the Cavs' lineup. With the series shifting to Indiana, the Cavaliers' historic season is now in jeopardy unless they can rally despite ongoing injury concerns. Only a few teams have ever come back from an 0-2 deficit after starting the series at home, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge ahead.