This year’s version of the NBA playoffs has already delivered plenty of unforgettable moments, but Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winner with 1.1 seconds remaining on Tuesday night might have topped them all. His clutch 3-point shot gave the Indiana Pacers a dramatic 120-119 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 — and a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Indiana heads into Game 3 on Friday riding high after stealing both games on the road against the Eastern Conference’s top seed. Cleveland, meanwhile, faces a steep climb. Not only are the Cavs in a 0-2 hole, but uncertainty looms over the availability of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter and now Donovan Mitchell ahead of Friday’s showdown in Indianapolis.
Whether those key players suit up or not, the Pacers are now in prime position to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the second straight year. On the latest episode of “The Athletic NBA Daily,” Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni broke down how Indiana battled back from multiple 20-point deficits, Haliburton’s heroics and Aaron Nesmith’s key plays down the stretch. They also discussed how the Pacers ramped up their intensity in the second half and effectively adjusted to Cleveland’s switch defense.
Additionally, DuFour and Baraheni talked about whether or not Indiana’s depth is considered underrated, as well as whether or not the Pacers might be the best team in the East right now. Watch the full discussion below.
Watch the full episode of “The Athletic NBA Daily” below or on the YouTube channel, or via the “The Athletic NBA Daily” podcast feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
(Photo: Justin Casterline / Getty Images)
.webp?ssl=1 "The state of play at Cadillac after three races of the 2026 season")
